Rib Pain ICD-10-CM Codes
Read this short guide and learn about rib pain ICD codes you can use.
Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.
What rib pain ICD codes can I use?
There are no specific rib pain ICD codes you can use. However, you can use the following codes instead:
- R07.9 - Chest pain, unspecified
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have chest pain, though it is unknown what is causing it yet. This should not be used as a principal diagnosis because chest pain results from another problem. If you can identify the specific problem, use a more specific ICD-10 code.
- R07.89 - Other chest pain
This is the same as Item 1.
- R07.81 - Pleurodynia
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to be experiencing Pleurodynia. Pleurodynia is the term used for a sudden emergence of severe pain in the chest/abdomen. Just like Item 1, this should not be used as a principal diagnosis.
- R09.1 - Pleurisy
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have Pleurisy. Pleurisy is the term used to refer to inflammations in the pleurae (the linings that separate each lung from the thoracic wall). These inflammations cause pain whenever the person who has Pleurisy breathes. This can cause pain in the ribs as well.
- I27.82 - Chronic pulmonary embolism
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have Chronic Pulmonary Embolism. This condition is characterized by a blockage of an artery that goes into the lungs. This can cause rib pain.
- M79.7 - Fibromyalgia
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have Fibromyalgia. This is a condition characterized by pain and tenderness throughout the whole body. This can also cause pain in the musculoskeletal system and by extension, rib pain.
- M94.0 - Chondrocostal junction syndrome [Tietze]
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have Chondrocostal Junction Syndrome, which is also known as Tietze’s Syndrome. This condition is characterized by the inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage, which causes rib pain.
Are these rib pain ICD codes billable?
Yes. The rib pain-related ICD-10 codes we listed above are valid and billable. The first four are not valid as principal diagnoses, but they are generally valid for use.
Clinical information about rib pain:
Rib pain is a symptom that can indicate various conditions. While rib pain may not always be a cause for concern and might resolve on its own, it can sometimes be associated with an underlying issue. Therefore, the aforementioned chest pain ICD-10 codes and similar ones should not be considered primary diagnoses, as they are likely secondary to a specific problem (e.g., chest injuries, cancer, Fibromyalgia, or Pulmonary Embolism).
Rib pain is often described as either sharp or dull. It can occur suddenly and intermittently or gradually intensify over time. Some individuals experience constant rib pain, while others feel it only when they breathe or move, which can significantly hinder their ability to perform these actions.
Synonyms include:
- Acute chest pain
- Central chest pain
- Chest pain
- Radiating chest pain
- Squeezing chest pain
- Crushing chest pain
- Rib pain
- Rib tender
- Finding of sensation of rib
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Commonly asked questions
No. As we mentioned earlier, it’s best to use ones related to chest pain and specific problems that can cause rib pain.
Healthcare professionals may conduct imaging tests to get to the bottom of what’s causing the rib pain. They might also conduct a bone scan in case a patient has cancer.
That depends on what’s causing it. If the rib pain is mild, over-the-counter pain relievers should do the trick. Compression wraps are also a choice, but the moment it starts making breathing difficult, it should be removed.
If rib pain is tied to an underlying condition, then the underlying condition should be treated.
