What is the ICD-10 code for bilateral shoulder pain?

The ICD-10 code for bilateral shoulder pain is typically coded using M25.51 for right shoulder pain and M25.52 for left shoulder pain, as there is no single code for bilateral pain.

How do you code bilateral shoulder bursitis?

Bilateral shoulder bursitis is coded with M75.43, which specifically covers bursitis in both shoulders.

ICD-10 Coding for Bilateral Shoulder Pain(M25.51, M19.011, M19.012)

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Learn about the ICD-10 coding for bilateral shoulder pain, including specific codes for right and left shoulder pain, and documentation requirements.

Also known as:

Pain in both shouldersBilateral shoulder discomfortshoulder pain bilateral

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Bilateral Shoulder Pain

M00-M99Primary Range

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue

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Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
M25.51	Pain in right shoulder	Use when pain is specifically localized to the right shoulder.	Patient report of pain localized to the right shoulder Physical examination confirming tenderness or pain in the right shoulder
M25.52	Pain in left shoulder	Use when pain is specifically localized to the left shoulder.	Patient report of pain localized to the left shoulder Physical examination confirming tenderness or pain in the left shoulder
M19.011	Primary osteoarthritis, right shoulder	Use when osteoarthritis is confirmed in the right shoulder.	X-ray or MRI confirming osteoarthritis in the right shoulder
M19.012	Primary osteoarthritis, left shoulder	Use when osteoarthritis is confirmed in the left shoulder.	X-ray or MRI confirming osteoarthritis in the left shoulder

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Pain in shoulder

M25.51

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Pain in left shoulderM25.52

Use when pain is specifically localized to the left shoulder.

Pain in right shoulderM25.51

Use when pain is specifically localized to the right shoulder.

Primary osteoarthritis, left shoulderM19.012

Use when osteoarthritis is confirmed in the left shoulder.

Primary osteoarthritis, right shoulderM19.011

Use when osteoarthritis is confirmed in the right shoulder.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Bilateral Shoulder Pain.

Failing to document laterality of shoulder pain.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inaccurate diagnosis and treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation

Always document laterality in clinical notes.

Using unspecified codes when laterality is known.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation

Document and code for specific laterality (right, left, bilateral).

Laterality documentation

Impact

Failure to document laterality can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation

Implement checklist for documentation to ensure laterality is recorded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with M25.51.

Primary Code

M25.51

Pain in shoulder

Quick Navigation

ICD-10 codes7

Coding risks3

FAQs2

ICD-10 Coding for Bilateral Shoulder Pain(M25.51, M19.011, M19.012)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for bilateral shoulder pain?

How do you code bilateral shoulder bursitis?

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