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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR22.1

R22.1

Localized swelling, mass and lump, neck

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R22.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of localized swelling, mass and lump, neck.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Localized swelling, mass, or lump in the neck can arise from various underlying conditions, ranging from benign to malignant processes. This symptom may present as a palpable mass or swelling that can be asymptomatic or associated with other symptoms such as pain, tenderness, or changes in swallowing or breathing. Common causes include lymphadenopathy due to infections (viral or bacterial), benign tumors such as lipomas or cysts, and malignancies like lymphomas or thyroid cancers. The clinical evaluation typically involves a thorough history and physical examination, imaging studies (such as ultrasound or CT scans), and possibly biopsy to determine the nature of the mass. The presence of associated symptoms, duration of the mass, and patient history are critical in guiding the diagnostic approach and management plan.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes (benign vs malignant)
  • Need for thorough clinical evaluation and possible imaging
  • Differentiation from other neck masses (e.g., thyroid nodules)
  • Documentation of associated symptoms and clinical findings

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the nature of the mass (benign vs malignant)
  • Misclassification of the mass due to overlapping symptoms
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for ongoing conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of the mass, including onset, duration, and associated symptoms; physical examination findings; and any imaging or lab results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with a neck mass during routine check-ups or with complaints of pain or discomfort.

Billing Considerations

Ensure to document any relevant past medical history, especially concerning malignancies or infections.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute assessment of the neck mass, including vital signs, immediate symptoms, and any interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Document the urgency of the situation and any immediate treatments provided.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R22.1 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the swelling, mass, or lump is localized to the neck and not due to systemic conditions
  • Document all relevant clinical findings to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R22.1 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

88305CPT Code

Pathology examination, surgical

Clinical Scenario

Used when a biopsy of the neck mass is performed.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the biopsy and the findings.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the pathology report correlates with the diagnosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of localized symptoms, improving the granularity of data collected for clinical and billing purposes. R22.1 provides a clear distinction for neck masses, aiding in better patient management and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of localized symptoms, improving the granularity of data collected for clinical and billing purposes. R22.1 provides a clear distinction for neck masses, aiding in better patient management and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing purposes. R22.1 provides a clear distinction for neck masses, aiding in better patient management and resource allocation.

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 be documented when coding R22.1?

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