Understanding left upper quadrant (LUQ) pain? This guide covers LUQ pain differential diagnosis, including splenomegaly, gastritis, pancreatitis, and peptic ulcer disease. Explore clinical documentation best practices, ICD-10 codes (e.g., R10.1, K25, K85), SNOMED CT concepts, and healthcare insights for accurate LUQ pain diagnosis and management. Learn about symptoms, causes, and treatment options for effective patient care and accurate medical coding.
Also known as
Symptoms and signs involving the abdomen and pelvis
Encompasses various abdominal pain presentations, including LUQ pain.
Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum
Covers conditions like gastritis or ulcers that can cause LUQ pain.
Diseases of liver, gallbladder, biliary tract
Includes liver and gallbladder issues potentially causing LUQ discomfort.
Disorders of pancreas
Pancreatitis or other pancreatic conditions can manifest as LUQ pain.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the LUQ pain traumatic in origin?
Yes
Rib fracture confirmed?
No
Cardiac origin suspected?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Left Upper Quadrant Pain |
Gastritis |
Acute Pancreatitis |
Patient presents with left upper quadrant pain (LUQ pain), a symptom complex localized to the left upper abdomen. Onset, duration, character, and exacerbating or alleviating factors were thoroughly investigated. Differential diagnosis for LUQ pain includes, but is not limited to, gastritis, gastric ulcer, pancreatitis, splenomegaly, left lower lobe pneumonia, pleurisy, cardiac ischemia, costochondritis, and musculoskeletal pain. Patient denies any recent trauma. A detailed review of systems was conducted, including gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and musculoskeletal systems. Physical examination, including palpation of the left upper quadrant, auscultation of heart and lungs, and assessment of costochondral junctions, was performed. Current vital signs were documented. Based on the patient's presentation, history, and physical exam findings, the following diagnostic tests are being ordered: complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), lipase, amylase, electrocardiogram (ECG), and chest x-ray. Further imaging, such as abdominal ultrasound or CT scan, may be considered based on initial test results. The patient's pain is being managed conservatively with analgesics and monitoring. Patient education was provided regarding potential causes of LUQ pain, warning signs of serious conditions, and follow-up instructions. The patient demonstrates understanding and agrees with the plan of care. Diagnosis: Left upper quadrant pain (LUQ pain). Medical coding will be finalized upon completion of diagnostic workup and determination of definitive etiology. This documentation supports medical billing and coding for services rendered.