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ICD-10 Code R11.0

Nausea

ICD-10-CM code R11.0 specifies a medical diagnosis of nausea. This code falls under the category of "symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen" within the ICD-10 coding system. Healthcare providers primarily use it to document and bill for nausea, which can be a standalone issue or a symptom of various underlying conditions.

Detailed description of R11.0

R11.0 refers to nausea, a sensation of unease and discomfort in the upper stomach with an involuntary urge to vomit. Nausea is not a disease itself but a symptom that can be associated with a wide range of conditions, from minor digestive issues to more serious medical conditions. It is important to note that R11.0 is used solely to describe the symptom of nausea and does not include vomiting, which has a separate code (R11.10).

Symptoms commonly associated with R11.0

Symptoms commonly associated with R11.0 include:

  • A queasy or unsettled feeling in the stomach
  • An urge to vomit
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sweating
  • Increased salivation
  • Dizziness

These symptoms can occur in conjunction with nausea and may help healthcare providers identify the underlying cause.

Related and similar ICD-10 codes to R11.0 include:

  • R11.10: Vomiting, unspecified
  • R11.11: Vomiting without nausea
  • R11.12: Projectile vomiting
  • R11.14: Bilious vomiting
  • R11.15: Cyclical vomiting syndrome unrelated to migraine
  • R11.2: Nausea with vomiting, unspecified
  • K30: Functional dyspepsia

Each of these codes provides a more specific description of related symptoms and can be used when documenting patient conditions accurately.

Appropriate usage of R11.0 for billing

R11.0 should be used for billing when nausea is a primary or significant symptom presented by the patient. It is important to ensure that the symptom is thoroughly documented in the provider's assessment portion of the note. This code can be used in various clinical settings, including outpatient clinics and emergency departments, to ensure accurate billing for the symptom of nausea.

Instructional guidelines for coding R11.0

When using R11.0, adhere to the following guidelines and best practices:

  • Ensure that nausea is explicitly documented in the provider's assessment portion of the note.
  • Avoid using R11.0 if there is a more specific code that accurately describes the patient's condition. If the patient presents with nausea and vomiting, consider using R11.2 instead.
  • Use additional codes to describe any underlying conditions or causes of nausea, if known.
  • Regularly update your knowledge of ICD-10 coding guidelines to ensure accurate and compliant coding.

Common pitfalls in coding with R11.0

  • Using R11.0 when a more specific code is available and appropriate.
  • Failing to document the symptom of nausea accurately in the provider's assessment portion of the note.
  • Overlooking the need to code underlying conditions that may be causing the nausea.
  • Misinterpreting the symptom of nausea as another gastrointestinal issue without proper documentation.

Key resources for R11.0 coding

Conclusion

ICD-10-CM code R11.0 is used to document and bill for the symptom of nausea. Accurate documentation and adherence to coding best practices helps ensure proper billing and effective patient care.

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Tebra’s EHR+ gives you quick searches and Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine (SNOMED) field names for efficient code documentation. Plus, Tebra automatically saves ICD-10 to SNOMED mapping for future searches, streamlining your workflow.

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