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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR10.823

R10.823

Right lower quadrant rebound abdominal tenderness

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R10.823 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of right lower quadrant rebound abdominal tenderness.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Right lower quadrant rebound abdominal tenderness is a clinical sign indicative of peritoneal irritation, often associated with acute abdominal conditions. This sign is elicited during a physical examination when the examiner applies pressure to the right lower quadrant and then suddenly releases it, causing pain upon release. This response suggests underlying inflammation or irritation of the peritoneum, commonly seen in conditions such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, or ectopic pregnancy. The presence of rebound tenderness is a critical component of the abdominal examination and can guide further diagnostic evaluation and management. It is essential to correlate this finding with the patient's history, other physical examination findings, and laboratory results to arrive at a comprehensive diagnosis. Abnormal clinical findings may include localized tenderness, guarding, and rigidity in the abdomen, which can further support the diagnosis of acute abdominal pathology. Laboratory findings may reveal leukocytosis or elevated inflammatory markers, depending on the underlying cause.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires correlation with clinical findings and history.
  • Potential overlap with other abdominal pain codes.
  • Need for precise documentation of physical exam findings.
  • Differentiation from other abdominal tenderness codes.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of physical exam findings.
  • Failure to link symptoms to a definitive diagnosis.
  • Misuse of the code in non-acute settings.
  • Inconsistent documentation across providers.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of the physical examination, including the presence of rebound tenderness, associated symptoms, and any relevant history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with abdominal pain, fever, and nausea, requiring evaluation for appendicitis or other acute abdominal conditions.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of chronic conditions that may mimic acute presentations, requiring careful documentation of the timeline of symptoms.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of the patient's presentation, including vital signs, physical exam findings, and any immediate interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute abdominal pain requiring rapid assessment for surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Rapid decision-making in emergency settings necessitates clear and concise documentation to support coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R10.823 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding symptoms and signs
  • Ensure that the code is used in conjunction with a definitive diagnosis when available, and document the clinical rationale for the use of this code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R10.823 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99283CPT Code

Emergency department visit, moderate severity

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient presents with acute abdominal pain and rebound tenderness.

Documentation Requirements

Document the level of service, including history, examination, and medical decision-making.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine providers should ensure thorough documentation to support the level of service billed.

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 the significance of rebound tenderness?

Rebound tenderness is a clinical sign indicating potential peritoneal irritation, often associated with acute abdominal conditions that may require surgical intervention.