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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR10.821

R10.821

Right upper quadrant rebound abdominal tenderness

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R10.821 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of right upper quadrant rebound abdominal tenderness.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Right upper quadrant rebound abdominal tenderness is a clinical sign indicative of peritoneal irritation, often associated with acute abdominal conditions. This symptom is characterized by pain that worsens upon release of pressure from the abdomen, suggesting underlying inflammation or irritation of the peritoneum. Common causes include appendicitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and perforated viscus. The presence of rebound tenderness is typically assessed during a physical examination, where the clinician applies pressure to the abdomen and then quickly releases it. The sudden release can cause a sharp pain in the right upper quadrant, indicating potential serious conditions that may require immediate medical intervention. Laboratory findings may include elevated white blood cell counts, indicating infection or inflammation, and imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans may be utilized to identify the underlying cause. Accurate identification and documentation of rebound tenderness are crucial for appropriate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires thorough clinical assessment to confirm rebound tenderness.
  • Differentiation from other abdominal pain causes can be challenging.
  • Documentation must clearly indicate the presence of rebound tenderness.
  • Potential overlap with other abdominal codes may complicate coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of physical examination findings.
  • Failure to link the symptom to a definitive diagnosis.
  • Misinterpretation of rebound tenderness versus other types of abdominal pain.
  • Coding without supporting clinical evidence from the medical record.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on physical examination findings, including location and nature of tenderness.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the clinical context supports the diagnosis of rebound tenderness.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care notes must include time of onset, severity, and associated symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute abdominal pain requiring immediate evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and documentation are critical due to the potential for surgical intervention.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R10.821 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the symptom is documented in the context of a clinical evaluation
  • The presence of rebound tenderness should be clearly noted in the medical record, along with any relevant diagnostic findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R10.821 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99283CPT Code

Emergency department visit, moderate severity

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient presents with rebound tenderness and requires further evaluation.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the visit, examination findings, and any diagnostic tests performed.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine documentation must be timely and thorough due to the acute nature of presentations.

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 rebound tenderness, improving the granularity of data for clinical and billing purposes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like rebound tenderness, improving the granularity of data for clinical and billing purposes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing purposes.

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

What is rebound tenderness?

Rebound tenderness is a clinical sign indicating peritoneal irritation, where pain is felt upon the release of pressure from the abdomen.

How is rebound tenderness assessed?

It is assessed during a physical examination by applying pressure to the abdomen and observing for increased pain upon release.