The ICD-10 code for abdominal pain is R10.9 — Unspecified abdominal pain. This code is used when a patient presents with abdominal discomfort or pain, but the exact location or cause has not been specified.
Common ICD-10 Codes for Abdominal Pain
| ICD-10 Code | Description |
|---|---|
| R10.0 | Acute abdomen |
| R10.1 | Pain localized to upper abdomen |
| R10.10 | Upper abdominal pain, unspecified |
| R10.11 | Right upper quadrant pain |
| R10.12 | Left upper quadrant pain |
| R10.13 | Epigastric pain |
| R10.2 | Pelvic and perineal pain |
| R10.30 | Lower abdominal pain, unspecified |
| R10.31 | Right lower quadrant pain |
| R10.32 | Left lower quadrant pain |
| R10.33 | Periumbilical pain |
| R10.84 | Generalized abdominal pain |
| R10.9 | Unspecified abdominal pain |
Coding Guidelines
When coding for abdominal pain:
- Use R10.9 if the pain location is not documented.
- Use specific subcodes (R10.0–R10.33) if the provider documents a specific region of pain.
- Always confirm documentation to ensure accuracy and specificity.
Example
Documentation: Patient reports pain in the right lower abdomen.
ICD-10 Code: R10.31 — Right lower quadrant pain
Documentation: Patient complains of general abdominal discomfort without a defined area.
ICD-10 Code: R10.9 — Unspecified abdominal pain
Summary
- Primary ICD-10 Code: R10.9 – Unspecified abdominal pain
- Use specific subcodes when the pain location is known
- Accurate documentation ensures proper diagnosis and billing