ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR10.3

R10.3

Pain localized to other parts of lower abdomen

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R10.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of pain localized to other parts of lower abdomen.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R10.3 refers to pain that is specifically localized to areas of the lower abdomen that do not fall under more specific categories of abdominal pain. This symptom can arise from a variety of underlying conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, urinary tract issues, gynecological problems, or musculoskeletal pain. Patients may present with a range of symptoms, including sharp, dull, or cramping pain, which may be intermittent or constant. The pain may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, changes in bowel habits, or urinary symptoms, which can provide clues to the underlying cause. Accurate diagnosis often requires a thorough clinical evaluation, including a detailed history and physical examination, and may necessitate imaging studies or laboratory tests to identify the source of the pain. Given the broad differential diagnosis associated with lower abdominal pain, careful consideration of the patient's clinical context is essential for effective management and coding.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes
  • Overlap with other abdominal pain codes
  • Need for thorough documentation to support diagnosis
  • Potential for misclassification of pain location

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of pain characteristics
  • Failure to specify the location of pain accurately
  • Misuse of related abdominal pain codes
  • Lack of supporting clinical findings

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of present illness, including onset, duration, and characteristics of pain, as well as associated symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with vague lower abdominal pain, requiring differential diagnosis to rule out conditions like appendicitis, diverticulitis, or gynecological issues.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of comorbidities and medication history that may influence abdominal pain presentation.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation must include a rapid assessment of pain severity, associated symptoms, and any immediate interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute onset of lower abdominal pain, potentially indicating an emergency condition such as ectopic pregnancy or perforated viscus.

Billing Considerations

Timeliness of documentation is critical, as emergency settings often require quick decision-making based on limited information.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R10.3 When
  • Coders should refer to the official ICD
  • CM guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the pain is not classified elsewhere
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis, including the location and nature of the pain

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R10.3 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient presents with lower abdominal pain for evaluation and management.

Documentation Requirements

Document the history, examination findings, and medical decision-making.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine and family practice often utilize this code for follow-up visits.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abdominal pain, improving the ability to capture the nuances of patient presentations and facilitating better data collection for research and quality improvement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abdominal pain, improving the ability to capture the nuances of patient presentations and facilitating better data collection for research and quality improvement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abdominal pain, improving the ability to capture the nuances of patient presentations and facilitating better data collection for research and quality improvement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use R10.3 instead of a more specific abdominal pain code?

R10.3 should be used when the pain is localized to the lower abdomen but does not fit into more specific categories such as acute or chronic abdominal pain. Ensure that documentation supports the use of this code.