Symptoms and signs involving the skin and subcutaneous tissue
ICD-10 Codes (12)
R31R31.0R31.1R31.2R31.21R31.29R31.9R32R33R33.0R33.8R33.9Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
No significant changes for FY 2026
This range maintains stability with current coding practices
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for R30-R33 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The ICD-10 code range R30-R33 pertains to symptoms and signs involving the skin and subcutaneous tissue. This includes a variety of conditions such as rash, urticaria, and changes in skin texture. These codes are used when a definitive diagnosis has not been established by the provider.
Key Usage Points:
- •R30 codes are used for painful and noninfective urinopathies.
- •R31 is used for hematuria conditions.
- •R32 is for unspecified urinary incontinence.
- •R33 is used for retention of urine.
- •Always code to the highest level of specificity.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient presents with skin symptoms but no definitive diagnosis is made.
- ✓When a patient has urinary symptoms without a confirmed underlying cause.
- ✓When a patient has a rash or other skin changes of unknown origin.
- ✓When a patient presents with urinary incontinence without a known cause.
- ✓When a patient has urinary retention without a diagnosed condition.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When a definitive diagnosis has been made.
- ✗When the symptoms are part of a known condition.
- ✗When the symptoms are due to a condition outside the R30-R33 range.
- ✗When the symptoms are due to a condition that has its own specific code.
- ✗When the symptoms are due to a condition that falls under a different code range.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the latest ICD-10-CM official guidelines.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for codes in the R30-R33 range should include a detailed description of the symptoms, their duration, severity, and any factors that exacerbate or alleviate them. The patient's medical history and any relevant physical examination findings should also be documented.
Clinical Information:
- •Detailed description of the symptoms
- •Duration of the symptoms
- •Severity of the symptoms
- •Factors that exacerbate or alleviate the symptoms
- •Relevant medical history and physical examination findings
Supporting Evidence:
- •Lab results
- •Imaging studies
- •Consultation notes
- •Patient-reported outcomes
Good Documentation Example:
Patient presents with a 2-week history of a painful, itchy rash on the chest and back. Rash is red, raised, and covers a large area. No known allergies. No recent changes in detergent or diet.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has a rash.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not documenting the duration or severity of the symptoms
- ⚠Not including a detailed description of the symptoms
- ⚠Not documenting relevant medical history or physical examination findings
- ⚠Not including supporting evidence
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
Coding for the R30-R33 range can be complex due to the need to determine whether a symptom has a known cause, choose between a symptom code and a definitive diagnosis code, select the correct level of specificity, determine whether an exclusion applies, and stay current with changes in coding guidelines.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining whether a symptom has a known cause
- ▸Deciding between a symptom code and a definitive diagnosis code
- ▸Choosing the correct level of specificity
- ▸Determining whether an exclusion applies
- ▸Keeping up with changes in coding guidelines
Specialty Focus
These codes are commonly used in primary care, dermatology, and urology. They are used when patients present with skin or urinary symptoms without a known cause.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient presents with a painful, itchy rash of unknown origin.
- • A patient has urinary incontinence without a known cause.
- • A patient presents with urinary retention without a diagnosed condition.
- • A patient has a change in skin texture without a known cause.
- • A patient presents with hematuria of unknown origin.
Resources & References
Resources for coding in the R30-R33 range include the ICD-10-CM official guidelines, clinical reference materials, and educational resources.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) guidelines
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) guidelines
Clinical References:
- UpToDate
- Medscape
Educational Materials:
- AAPC ICD-10 Training
- AHIMA ICD-10 Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a code from the R30-R33 range if a definitive diagnosis has been made?
No, these codes should only be used when a definitive diagnosis has not been established by the provider.