ICD-10 Code for Tenderness

The default ICD-10-CM 2027 code for tenderness, abdominal is R10.819 – Abdominal tenderness, unspecified site. More specific codes depend on the details documented, as listed in the official index (24 codes, 24 billable).

Main code: R10.819 – Abdominal tenderness, unspecified site
Billable: Yes

Index entries for Tenderness

costovertebral (angle) – R39.859
- bilateral – R39.853
- left – R39.852
- right – R39.851
epigastric – R10.816
flank – R10.8A9
- left – R10.8A2
- right – R10.8A1
generalized – R10.817
left lower quadrant – R10.814
left upper quadrant – R10.812
periumbilic – R10.815
right lower quadrant – R10.813
right upper quadrant – R10.811
rebound – R10.829
- epigastric – R10.826
- generalized – R10.827
- left lower quadrant – R10.824
- left upper quadrant – R10.822
- periumbilic – R10.825
- right lower quadrant – R10.823
- right upper quadrant – R10.821
suprapubic – R10.8A3

How to choose the right code

Start with the main term, then pick the indented subterm that matches the documentation (type, cause, site, laterality, episode of care). Always confirm the code in the tabular list: follow its Excludes1/Excludes2, “code first” and “use additional code” notes, and add a 7th character where required.

Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 alphabetic index.