Pain in right arm

This code signifies a patient's subjective complaint of pain localized to the right upper extremity. It is a symptom code indicating discomfort or aching in the right arm, without specifying an underlying cause or specific anatomical structure.

This code is appropriate for documenting undiagnosed right arm pain or when the definitive etiology of the pain is not yet established. It should be used when the medical record clearly states "pain in right arm" without further specificity, or when the provider has ruled out more specific diagnoses.

• Always seek more specific codes if the documentation provides details about the type of pain (e.g., neuropathic, arthralgia) or the specific anatomical site (e.g., shoulder, elbow, wrist).
• This code should be sequenced as a secondary diagnosis if a definitive underlying condition causing the pain is identified and coded.
• Avoid using this code if the pain is clearly attributable to a traumatic injury; instead, code the injury itself.