Right flank tenderness

This code signifies localized pain or discomfort upon palpation in the right flank region of the abdomen. It indicates a symptom rather than a definitive diagnosis, often prompting further investigation into underlying conditions affecting organs such as the right kidney, liver, gallbladder, or ascending colon.

This code is appropriate when the physician's documentation explicitly states "right flank tenderness" as a presenting symptom or a finding during physical examination. It should be used when the cause of the tenderness is not yet definitively diagnosed, or when it is a significant component of the patient's chief complaint.

• Do not use this code if a more specific diagnosis explaining the right flank tenderness (e.g., nephrolithiasis, cholecystitis) has been established.
• Always sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis if a definitive underlying condition is also coded.
• Ensure the medical record clearly documents the location of the tenderness as "right flank" to support code assignment.