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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesLeft Forearm Pain

Left Forearm Pain

ICD-10 Coding for Left Forearm Pain(M79.632)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYOrthopedics
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Left Forearm Pain?
Essential facts and insights about Left Forearm Pain

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Localized pain in the left forearm, possibly radiating to the wrist or hand
  • Imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI showing fractures, tendon injuries, or soft tissue abnormalities
  • Tenderness, swelling, or bruising upon physical examination; decreased range of motion

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Patient history including onset, duration, and nature of pain; any prior injuries
  • Specific terminology such as 'left forearm pain', 'tendonitis', or 'fracture'
  • Examples include detailed descriptions of pain characteristics and functional limitations

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Usage guidelines emphasize specificity in coding for accurate reimbursement.
  • Common errors include using non-specific codes or failing to document the mechanism of injury.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or cervical radiculopathy that may mimic forearm pain
  • Alternative codes for right forearm pain or unspecified forearm pain

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
M79.642
Pain in left forearm
S52.532A
Fracture of left forearm, initial encounter
Ancillary Codes
G89.11
Differential Codes
S52.501A

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Orthopedics

Specialty Applications

  • Adults and children presenting with forearm pain due to trauma or overuse
  • Orthopedic clinics, urgent care centers, and emergency departments

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements?

Include detailed patient history, physical exam findings, and imaging results.

Billing considerations?

Ensure correct ICD-10 codes are used and that documentation supports the diagnosis.