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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR22

R22

Localized swelling, mass and lump of skin and subcutaneous tissue

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R22 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of localized swelling, mass and lump of skin and subcutaneous tissue.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R22 is used to classify localized swelling, masses, or lumps that occur in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. These findings can arise from various etiologies, including benign tumors, cysts, infections, or inflammatory processes. The clinical presentation may vary from a small, painless lump to a larger, tender mass, depending on the underlying cause. Common causes include lipomas, sebaceous cysts, abscesses, and dermatofibromas. The diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, patient history, and may require imaging studies or biopsy for definitive diagnosis. It is essential to document the size, location, and characteristics of the mass, as well as any associated symptoms such as pain, redness, or drainage. Accurate coding is crucial for appropriate treatment and reimbursement, as well as for tracking epidemiological data related to skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes
  • Need for detailed clinical documentation
  • Differentiation from similar codes
  • Potential for misclassification

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of mass characteristics
  • Failure to specify the location of the lump
  • Misuse of related codes leading to upcoding or downcoding
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for ongoing conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, physical examination findings, and any imaging or lab results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with a new lump or swelling during a routine check-up or follow-up visit.

Billing Considerations

Ensure to document any changes in size or symptoms over time.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute swelling due to trauma, infection, or allergic reaction.

Billing Considerations

Document the urgency of the condition and any immediate treatment provided.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R22 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is supported by clinical documentation
  • Use R22 when the swelling or mass is localized and not classified elsewhere

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R22 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related Codes

Child Codes

14 codes
R22.0
Localized swelling, mass and lump, head
R22.1
Localized swelling, mass and lump, neck
R22.2
Localized swelling, mass and lump, trunk
R22.3
Localized swelling, mass and lump, upper limb
R22.30
Localized swelling, mass and lump, unspecified upper limb
R22.31
Localized swelling, mass and lump, right upper limb
R22.32
Localized swelling, mass and lump, left upper limb
R22.33
Localized swelling, mass and lump, upper limb, bilateral
R22.4
Localized swelling, mass and lump, lower limb
R22.40
Localized swelling, mass and lump, unspecified lower limb
R22.41
Localized swelling, mass and lump, right lower limb
R22.42
Localized swelling, mass and lump, left lower limb
R22.43
Localized swelling, mass and lump, lower limb, bilateral
R22.9
Localized swelling, mass and lump, unspecified

Related CPT Codes

11400CPT Code

Excision, benign skin lesion

Clinical Scenario

When a lump is excised for further evaluation.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size, location, and type of lesion excised.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the excision is medically necessary and well-documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding localized swelling and masses, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding localized swelling and masses, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 should I document when coding R22?

Document the size, location, characteristics of the mass, and any associated symptoms. Include any relevant imaging or lab results.