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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR10.84

R10.84

Generalized abdominal pain

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R10.84 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of generalized abdominal pain.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Generalized abdominal pain (R10.84) refers to diffuse discomfort or pain that is not localized to a specific quadrant of the abdomen. This symptom can arise from a variety of underlying conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, reproductive organs, urinary system, or even systemic diseases. Patients may describe the pain as cramping, sharp, dull, or throbbing, and it may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in appetite. The etiology of generalized abdominal pain can range from benign conditions like gastroenteritis to more serious issues such as appendicitis or pancreatitis. Accurate diagnosis often requires a thorough clinical history, physical examination, and may necessitate laboratory tests or imaging studies to identify the underlying cause. Given the broad differential diagnosis, it is crucial for healthcare providers to document the patient's symptoms comprehensively to guide appropriate management and coding.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes
  • Need for comprehensive documentation
  • Differentiation from localized abdominal pain codes
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other diagnoses

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms
  • Failure to specify the underlying cause
  • Misuse of generalized vs. localized pain codes
  • Inconsistent coding across encounters

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of present illness, including onset, duration, and associated symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with vague abdominal discomfort, requiring differential diagnosis.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of chronic conditions that may contribute to generalized pain, such as IBS or IBD.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute assessment including vital signs, physical exam findings, and any immediate interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute abdominal pain requiring rapid evaluation for surgical emergencies.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must reflect urgency and any immediate diagnostic tests performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R10.84 When
  • According to ICD
  • CM guidelines, R10
  • 84 should be used when the abdominal pain is generalized and not attributable to a specific diagnosis
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the use of this code and that it is not used inappropriately for localized pain

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R10.84 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient presents with generalized abdominal pain for evaluation.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include history, examination findings, and medical decision-making.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine and family practice often utilize this code for follow-up visits.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding abdominal pain, enabling better tracking of symptoms and conditions. R10.84 provides a clear designation for generalized abdominal pain, which aids in clinical research and quality reporting.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding abdominal pain, enabling better tracking of symptoms and conditions. R10.84 provides a clear designation for generalized abdominal pain, which aids in clinical research and quality reporting.

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 R10.84?

Use R10.84 when a patient presents with diffuse abdominal pain that cannot be localized to a specific area and when no specific diagnosis is available.