Right lower quadrant abdominal rigidity

This code signifies an involuntary, board-like stiffness or tenseness of the abdominal muscles specifically in the right lower quadrant. It is a significant physical exam finding often indicative of underlying inflammation or irritation of the peritoneum or abdominal organs in that region.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states "right lower quadrant rigidity" or "RLQ rigidity" during a physical examination. This finding is frequently associated with conditions like acute appendicitis, diverticulitis, or other localized peritonitis in the right lower abdomen.

• Differentiate from voluntary guarding; rigidity is involuntary and persistent.
• Do not code if the rigidity is generalized or in a different quadrant; use the appropriate specific code.
• Always code the underlying definitive diagnosis if known, with this code as a secondary diagnosis to describe the clinical manifestation.