Pain in left upper arm

This code signifies localized discomfort or ache specifically in the patient's left upper arm. It describes a symptom, not an underlying diagnosis, and can be acute or chronic. The pain may be musculoskeletal, neuropathic, or referred from other areas.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates pain localized to the left upper arm without a more specific diagnosis for the pain itself. This is appropriate when the provider is still investigating the cause of the pain or when the pain is a primary complaint without an established etiology. Supporting documentation includes patient complaints, physical exam findings noting tenderness or pain in the left upper arm, and provider notes indicating "left upper arm pain."

• Always sequence this code after a more definitive diagnosis if one is known (e.g., rotator cuff tear, tendinitis).
• Do not use if a more specific pain code exists for the underlying condition (e.g., M25.512 for pain in left shoulder).
• Ensure laterality is clearly documented; differentiate from right upper arm pain (M79.621) or unspecified upper arm pain (M79.629).