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R10.12
ICD-10-CM
Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ) Pain

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

LUQ Abdominal Pain
Left Upper Abdominal Pain

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Discomfort or pain in the upper left abdomen.
  • Clinical Signs : Tenderness, nausea, vomiting, fever, splenomegaly.
  • Common Settings : Gastritis, splenic injury, pancreatitis, pneumonia.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC R10.12 Coding
R10-R19

Symptoms and signs involving the abdomen and pelvis

Encompasses various abdominal pain presentations, including LUQ pain.

K20-K31

Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum

Covers conditions like gastritis or ulcers that can cause LUQ pain.

K70-K77

Diseases of liver, gallbladder, biliary tract

Includes liver and gallbladder issues potentially causing LUQ discomfort.

K80-K87

Disorders of pancreas

Pancreatitis or other pancreatic conditions can manifest as LUQ pain.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Left Upper Quadrant Pain
Gastritis
Acute Pancreatitis

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • LUQ pain: HPI, exam, diagnosis details
  • Document LUQ pain onset, location, character
  • Rule out cardiac, pulmonary, GI causes
  • ICD-10 code for LUQ pain: R10.13
  • Differential diagnosis documented for LUQ pain

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Thorough HPI for LUQ pain: ICD-10 code specificity.
  • Document LUQ pain location, quality, radiation: CDI best practice.
  • Correlate LUQ pain symptoms with exam/tests: HCC compliance.
  • Review DDx for LUQ pain: Avoid premature diagnostic coding.
  • Query physician for unclear LUQ pain documentation: CDI, HCC.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Review HPI for pain location, quality, radiation, and associated symptoms. ICD-10: R10.1
  • Palpate LUQ for tenderness, masses, organomegaly. Document spleen size. SNOMED CT: 20577009
  • Consider ECG and cardiac enzymes to rule out cardiac causes. Patient Safety: ACS Protocol
  • Order abdominal imaging (ultrasound or CT) if indicated. CPT Codes: 76700, 74177
  • Evaluate labs for infection (CBC, CMP) and pancreatitis (lipase, amylase). LOINC: 742-7, 2345-7

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • LUQ Pain: ICD-10 R10.1, optimize coding for accurate reimbursement.
  • Improve LUQ pain diagnosis coding: reduce denials, enhance revenue cycle.
  • Accurate LUQ pain documentation impacts quality metrics and hospital reports.
  • Monitor LUQ pain diagnosis coding for optimal reimbursement and quality scores.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code LUQ pain etiology
  • Rule out cardiac causes
  • Document spleen/stomach findings
  • Consider diaphragmatic issues
  • Review labs for pancreatitis

Documentation Templates

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.
Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ) Pain - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation