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M79.602
ICD-10-CM
Pain in Left Arm

Experiencing pain in your left arm? Learn about potential causes, including angina, cervical radiculopathy, and peripheral neuropathy. This guide covers relevant healthcare information, clinical documentation tips for accurate diagnosis coding (ICD-10), and medical coding best practices for left arm pain symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, and weakness. Find information on diagnosis, treatment, and management of left arm pain for healthcare professionals, coders, and patients.

Also known as

Left Arm Pain
Pain in Left Upper Limb

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Discomfort or soreness in the left arm, ranging from mild to severe.
  • Clinical Signs : Aching, numbness, tingling, weakness, radiating pain, swelling, or limited range of motion.
  • Common Settings : Muscle strain, nerve compression (carpal tunnel, pinched nerve), heart attack, or injury.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC M79.602 Coding
M79.602

Pain in left arm

Pain localized to the left arm.

M54.2

Pain in shoulder region

Pain in the shoulder area, which may include the left arm.

M79.1

Myalgia

Muscle pain, which could manifest in the left arm.

R29.2

Abnormality of gait and mobility

Problems with walking and movement that can sometimes cause arm pain.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the pain due to trauma/injury?

  • Yes

    Fracture confirmed?

  • No

    Radiculopathy/Neuralgia?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Pain in Left Arm
Left Arm Muscle Strain
Left Arm Radiculopathy

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Left arm pain: onset, duration, character
  • Location: specific arm area (e.g., shoulder, elbow)
  • Radiation: other body areas affected by pain
  • Associated symptoms: numbness, tingling, weakness
  • Exacerbating/relieving factors documented

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document arm pain laterality: left vs. right for accurate ICD-10 coding.
  • Specify pain characteristics: burning, aching, stabbing for improved CDI.
  • Rule out cardiac causes for left arm pain to ensure compliant documentation.
  • Assess pain onset, duration, and triggers for complete medical record.
  • Document associated symptoms like numbness, tingling for precise diagnosis coding.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Rule out cardiac ischemia: ECG, troponin
  • Assess for musculoskeletal causes: palpation, ROM
  • Neuro exam: sensation, reflexes, strength
  • Consider cervical radiculopathy: Spurling test
  • Document pain characteristics: onset, location, quality

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Pain in Left Arm diagnosis reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 coding (e.g., M79.602, M79.604) for optimal payment.
  • Coding quality impacts left arm pain claims. Correct laterality, site, and etiology coding ensures proper DRG assignment.
  • Hospital reporting on left arm pain diagnoses relies on specificity. Accurate codes affect quality metrics and resource allocation.
  • Physician documentation detail is crucial for left arm pain. Clear descriptions of symptoms and etiology support accurate coding and billing.

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 laterality: left arm
  • Rule out cardiac causes
  • Document pain details
  • Consider radiating pain
  • Check ICD-10 guidelines

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with left arm pain.  Onset, duration, location, character, aggravating factors, and relieving factors were explored.  Differential diagnosis includes but is not limited to cervical radiculopathy, brachial plexus neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, thoracic outlet syndrome, angina pectoris, musculoskeletal pain, rotator cuff tear, and epicondylitis.  Patient describes the pain as (sharp, dull, aching, burning, throbbing, electric, etc.) and localized to (upper arm, forearm, wrist, hand, fingers, specific dermatome).  Pain severity was assessed using a pain scale (0-10).  Associated symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, swelling, redness, or changes in temperature were queried.  Medical history, including past injuries, surgeries, and chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or cardiovascular disease, was reviewed.  Physical examination included assessment of range of motion, palpation for tenderness, neurological examination including sensory and motor function, and vascular assessment including pulses and capillary refill.  Preliminary diagnosis is (diagnosis).  Plan includes (conservative management, medication, referral to specialist, imaging studies such as X-ray, MRI, CT scan, EMG, nerve conduction studies).  Patient education provided regarding activity modification, pain management strategies, and follow-up care.  Return to clinic scheduled in (timeframe).
Pain in Left Arm - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation