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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR11.0

R11.0

Nausea

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R11.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nausea.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Nausea is a common symptom characterized by an unpleasant sensation in the stomach that often precedes vomiting. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including gastrointestinal disorders, infections, medications, and metabolic disturbances. Clinically, nausea may present with accompanying symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and changes in appetite. It is essential to evaluate the underlying cause of nausea, as it can be a sign of more serious conditions such as gastrointestinal obstruction, pancreatitis, or central nervous system disorders. Diagnostic approaches may include a thorough patient history, physical examination, and potentially imaging studies or laboratory tests to identify the underlying etiology. Management of nausea typically involves addressing the underlying cause, and symptomatic treatment may include antiemetic medications. Accurate documentation of the patient's symptoms, duration, and any associated factors is crucial for proper coding and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes
  • Need for thorough patient history and examination
  • Differentiation from similar symptoms (e.g., vomiting)
  • Potential for co-occurring conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying cause
  • Failure to specify if nausea is acute or chronic
  • Misuse of related codes for vomiting or other gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Lack of clarity in patient history and symptom description

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including onset, duration, and associated symptoms; results of any diagnostic tests.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with nausea due to gastrointestinal disorders, medication side effects, or metabolic issues.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of chronic conditions that may contribute to nausea, such as diabetes or renal failure.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute presentation details, including vital signs, immediate interventions, and any imaging or lab results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute nausea due to infections, drug overdoses, or acute abdomen.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and documentation of potential life-threatening causes of nausea.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R11.0 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding symptoms and signs
  • Ensure that the code is used only when the symptom is not classified elsewhere and that it is supported by clinical documentation

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R11.0 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used when evaluating a patient with nausea in an outpatient setting.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's history, examination findings, and any treatment provided.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine may require more detailed documentation of chronic conditions contributing to nausea.

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 nausea, improving the ability to capture the complexity of patient presentations and their underlying causes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like nausea, improving the ability to capture the complexity of patient presentations and their underlying causes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like nausea, improving the ability to capture the complexity of patient presentations and their underlying causes.

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

Can R11.0 be used for chronic nausea?

Yes, R11.0 can be used for chronic nausea, but it is essential to document the underlying cause and any associated conditions to support the diagnosis.