Periumbilic abdominal rigidity

This code signifies a palpable stiffness or tenseness of the abdominal wall specifically around the umbilicus. It indicates an involuntary contraction of the abdominal muscles in response to underlying pathology, often suggesting inflammation or irritation of intra-abdominal organs in that region.

Use this code when the physician's documentation explicitly states "periumbilical rigidity" or "rigidity of the abdomen around the umbilicus." This finding is often associated with conditions like appendicitis, localized peritonitis, or other acute abdominal processes affecting the central abdomen.

• Do not confuse with generalized abdominal rigidity (R19.31) or rigidity of other specific abdominal quadrants.
• Always seek documentation specifying the location of the rigidity.
• Code this as a symptom when a definitive diagnosis for the underlying cause is not yet established.