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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR10.826

R10.826

Epigastric rebound abdominal tenderness

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R10.826 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of epigastric rebound abdominal tenderness.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Epigastric rebound abdominal tenderness is a clinical sign indicating potential underlying abdominal pathology, often associated with peritoneal irritation. This tenderness is assessed during a physical examination, where the clinician applies pressure to the epigastric region and then quickly releases it. The presence of rebound tenderness suggests that the abdominal cavity may be inflamed or irritated, commonly seen in conditions such as appendicitis, pancreatitis, or perforated viscus. Patients may present with additional symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits. The clinical context is crucial, as rebound tenderness can indicate serious conditions requiring immediate intervention. Laboratory findings may include elevated white blood cell counts, indicating infection or inflammation, and imaging studies may reveal abnormalities such as fluid collections or organ enlargement. Accurate identification and documentation of this sign are essential for appropriate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires thorough understanding of abdominal anatomy and pathology.
  • Differentiating between various causes of abdominal tenderness.
  • Need for comprehensive clinical documentation to support coding.
  • Potential overlap with other abdominal pain codes.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of physical examination findings.
  • Failure to correlate rebound tenderness with specific diagnoses.
  • Misuse of the code in non-acute settings.
  • Inconsistent use of related codes for abdominal pain.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, requiring evaluation for possible acute abdomen.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of chronic conditions that may mimic acute presentations.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation must include time of onset, severity of pain, and any immediate interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute abdominal pain presenting to the emergency department, requiring rapid assessment and potential surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Rapid decision-making is crucial; documentation should reflect urgency and rationale for interventions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R10.826 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when rebound tenderness is documented as part of the clinical examination
  • It should be linked to a definitive diagnosis when possible

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R10.826 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99283CPT Code

Emergency department visit, moderate severity

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient presents with epigastric rebound tenderness and requires moderate complexity evaluation.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine documentation must reflect the urgency of the situation.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of clinical findings such as rebound tenderness, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of clinical findings such as rebound tenderness, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of clinical findings such as rebound tenderness, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment planning.

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 that indicates potential peritoneal irritation, often requiring further evaluation to determine the underlying cause.