Pain in left shoulder

This code signifies localized pain experienced specifically in the left shoulder joint. It indicates a symptom rather than a definitive diagnosis of the underlying cause of the shoulder pain.

Use this code when documentation clearly states "pain in left shoulder" without further specification of a definitive diagnosis such as arthritis, rotator cuff tear, or impingement syndrome. It is appropriate for initial encounters or when the etiology of the shoulder pain is still under investigation.

• Always seek a more specific diagnosis if available, as M25.512 is a symptom code.
• Do not use this code if a definitive diagnosis (e.g., M75.12, M19.012) is documented.
• Consider laterality carefully; ensure the documentation specifies the left shoulder.