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
Pain in left arm
Pain localized to the left arm.
Pain in shoulder region
Pain in the shoulder area, which may include the left arm.
Myalgia
Muscle pain, which could manifest in the left arm.
Abnormality of gait and mobility
Problems with walking and movement that can sometimes cause arm pain.
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?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Pain in Left Arm |
Left Arm Muscle Strain |
Left Arm Radiculopathy |
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).