What is the ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) code for right groin pain?

ICD-10 Code for Right Groin Pain

The ICD-10-CM code for right groin pain is R10.31 (right lower quadrant abdominal pain).

Primary Code Assignment

• R10.31 is the specific code for right lower quadrant pain, which encompasses right groin pain in the ICD-10-CM classification system 1
• This code falls under the broader category of abdominal and pelvic pain (R10.-) 1
• The code requires documentation of laterality (right side) and anatomical location (lower quadrant/groin region) 1

Alternative Codes to Consider Based on Clinical Context

If the pain is more specifically localized or has an identifiable underlying cause, consider these alternatives:

• M25.551 - Pain in right hip (if the pain is clearly hip-related rather than groin-specific) 1, 2
• M79.651 - Pain in right thigh (if the pain extends beyond the groin into the thigh) 3
• S39.91XA - Unspecified injury of abdomen, lower back, lumbar spine, pelvis and external genitals, initial encounter (if trauma-related) 4

Critical Documentation Requirements

For accurate coding, the clinical documentation must specify:

• Laterality: Right side must be explicitly documented 1
• Chronicity: Acute versus chronic pain affects code selection and may require additional codes 5, 6
• Underlying etiology: If a specific cause is identified (e.g., hernia, muscle strain, hip pathology), code the underlying condition as the principal diagnosis and use R10.31 as a secondary code only if the pain is a significant separate symptom 6

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not use R10.31 if a definitive diagnosis exists: If imaging or examination reveals appendicitis, diverticulitis, hip arthritis, or other specific pathology, code the underlying condition instead 1
• Avoid using injury codes without trauma history: S-codes require documentation of an injury mechanism and should not be used for non-traumatic pain 4
• Do not confuse groin pain with hip pain: While these often overlap clinically, R10.31 (groin/lower quadrant) and M25.551 (hip joint) are distinct anatomical locations 1, 2
• Ensure encounter type is specified: For injury-related codes, the seventh character indicating initial encounter (A), subsequent encounter (D), or sequela (S) is mandatory 4

When Additional Codes Are Required

Add external cause codes (V00-Y99) when the pain results from:

• Trauma or injury: Document mechanism and intent using the ICD-10-CM external cause-of-injury framework 7
• Overexertion: Particularly relevant in athletes with groin pain from sports activities 8, 7
• Motor vehicle accidents or falls: Requires both the injury code and external cause code 7