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 CodesR52

R52

Pain, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R52 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of pain, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R52 is used to classify pain that is not specified or categorized elsewhere in the ICD-10 coding system. This code encompasses a wide range of pain symptoms that may arise from various underlying conditions, including acute and chronic pain. Pain can be a complex and subjective experience, often influenced by psychological, physiological, and environmental factors. Common causes of unspecified pain include musculoskeletal disorders, neuropathic pain, inflammatory conditions, and post-surgical pain. The diagnostic approach typically involves a thorough patient history, physical examination, and may include imaging studies or laboratory tests to identify potential underlying causes. Given the broad nature of this code, it is essential for healthcare providers to document the patient's pain characteristics, duration, and any associated symptoms to support the use of R52. Accurate coding is crucial for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Subjectivity of pain assessment
  • Variety of potential underlying causes
  • Need for comprehensive documentation
  • Differentiation from other pain-related codes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of pain characteristics
  • Failure to specify the location or type of pain
  • Use of R52 when a more specific code is available
  • Lack of correlation between diagnosis and treatment

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including pain onset, duration, and associated symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic pain syndromes, unexplained pain, or pain related to systemic diseases.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of comorbid conditions that may contribute to pain, such as diabetes or arthritis.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute pain assessment, including vital signs and immediate interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute abdominal pain, trauma-related pain, or sudden onset of severe pain.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and documentation of pain severity and location are critical for treatment decisions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R52 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, R52 should be used when the pain is not specified or classified elsewhere
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the use of this code and that all other potential codes have been considered

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R52 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient presents with unspecified pain for evaluation.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include a detailed history and examination of the pain.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine providers should focus on comprehensive pain assessments.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of pain-related conditions, but R52 remains a catch-all code that requires careful documentation to avoid misuse.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of pain-related conditions, but R52 remains a catch-all code that requires careful documentation to avoid misuse.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 R52 instead of a more specific pain code?

R52 should be used when the pain is not specified or classified elsewhere, and there is insufficient information to assign a more specific code.