What is the ICD-10 code for right lower quadrant pain?

The ICD-10 code for right lower quadrant pain is R10.31. It is used when the pain is localized to the right lower quadrant and no specific diagnosis is confirmed.

When should R10.31 be used instead of K35.2?

Use R10.31 when the cause of right lower quadrant pain is undetermined. If appendicitis is confirmed, use K35.2 instead.

ICD-10 Coding for Right Lower Quadrant Pain(R10.31, K35.2, R10.0)

Save

Learn about ICD-10 coding for right lower quadrant pain, including when to use R10.31 and related codes for appendicitis.

Also known as:

RLQ PainRight Lower Abdominal Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right Lower Quadrant Pain

R00-R99Primary Range

Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified

→

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
R10.31	Right lower quadrant pain	Use when the patient presents with pain localized to the right lower quadrant and no definitive diagnosis is made.	Physical exam showing tenderness in the right lower quadrant Patient reports pain localized to the right lower quadrant
K35.2	Acute appendicitis with generalized peritonitis	Use when appendicitis with peritonitis is confirmed.	CT scan showing inflamed appendix Elevated white blood cell count

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Right lower quadrant pain

R10.31Billable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Acute appendicitis with generalized peritonitisK35.2

Right lower quadrant painR10.31

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Right Lower Quadrant Pain.

Vague documentation of abdominal pain

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation

Train staff on detailed documentation practices, Use templates to ensure comprehensive notes

Using R10.31 as the principal diagnosis when appendicitis is confirmed

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment can affect reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation

Use K35.2 as the principal diagnosis if appendicitis is confirmed.

Incorrect Code Sequencing

Impact

Risk of using symptom codes as primary when a definitive diagnosis is available.

Mitigation

Ensure thorough review of clinical documentation and confirm diagnosis before coding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with R10.31.

Primary Code

R10.31

Right lower quadrant pain

Quick Navigation

ICD-10 codes6

Coding risks3

FAQs2

ICD-10 Coding for Right Lower Quadrant Pain(R10.31, K35.2, R10.0)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for right lower quadrant pain?

When should R10.31 be used instead of K35.2?

Related condition guides