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 CodesR10.812

R10.812

Left upper quadrant abdominal tenderness

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R10.812 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of left upper quadrant abdominal tenderness.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Left upper quadrant abdominal tenderness is a clinical sign characterized by discomfort or pain upon palpation of the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. This area encompasses vital organs such as the stomach, spleen, left kidney, and parts of the pancreas and colon. Tenderness in this region can indicate a variety of underlying conditions, ranging from benign to serious. Common causes include splenic enlargement, gastritis, pancreatitis, and renal issues. The presence of tenderness may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits, which can aid in diagnosis. Clinicians often assess tenderness through physical examination, and it may prompt further diagnostic testing, including imaging studies or laboratory tests, to identify the underlying cause. Accurate documentation of the tenderness, associated symptoms, and any relevant medical history is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes requiring differential diagnosis
  • Need for thorough documentation of associated symptoms
  • Variability in clinical presentation among patients
  • Potential overlap with other abdominal pain codes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the underlying cause of tenderness
  • Misuse of the code in the absence of documented tenderness
  • Inconsistent coding practices across providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of present illness, physical examination findings, and any relevant lab results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, requiring evaluation for gastrointestinal disorders.

Billing Considerations

Ensure to document any chronic conditions that may contribute to abdominal tenderness.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation including vital signs, immediate assessment findings, and any interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute abdominal pain requiring rapid assessment and potential imaging.

Billing Considerations

Document the time of onset of symptoms and any changes in the patient's condition.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R10.812 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding symptoms and signs, ensuring that the code is used only when tenderness is documented and relevant to the patient's condition

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R10.812 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient presents with left upper quadrant tenderness during a follow-up visit.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine providers should ensure comprehensive documentation of the visit.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like left upper quadrant tenderness, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like left upper quadrant tenderness, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like left upper quadrant tenderness, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans.

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 R10.812?

Use R10.812 when there is documented tenderness in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, and it is relevant to the patient's clinical presentation.