ICD-10 Codes Explained
International Classification of Diseases codes for diagnoses and conditions. Understand what each diagnosis code means on your medical bills.
Showing 50 of 283 ICD-10 codes
E041A single, non-cancerous lump or growth in the thyroid gland that does not produce excess hormones
This code represents a single nodule (lump or growth) found in the thyroid gland that is nontoxic, meaning it does not produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that helps regulate metabolism. A single nodule means there is one distinct lump rather than multiple nodules. Most thyroid nodules are benign (non-cancerous) and may not cause symptoms, though they can sometimes be felt as a lump in the neck or seen on imaging studies.
D1801A benign (non-cancerous) blood vessel growth in the skin or tissue just under the skin
A hemangioma is a common, non-cancerous growth made up of blood vessels that appears as a red or purple mark on the skin or in the tissue just beneath the skin surface. These growths are typically harmless and may appear as raised, flat, or slightly bumpy areas. They can vary in size and may be present at birth or develop later. While they are benign tumors, they should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis and determine if any treatment is needed.
Z79899Long-term use of other medications not specifically listed elsewhere
This code indicates that a patient is currently taking medication(s) on a long-term basis for ongoing medical conditions. It's used when the specific medication doesn't have its own dedicated code in the medical coding system. This is purely a documentation code that helps healthcare providers track that you're on long-term drug therapy as part of your medical history. It doesn't represent a diagnosis or procedure, but rather provides important context about your current treatment plan.
E785High levels of fats (lipids) in the blood, type not specified
This code indicates that blood tests have shown elevated levels of fats (lipids) such as cholesterol and triglycerides in your bloodstream, but the specific type of lipid disorder has not been identified or specified. Hyperlipidemia means having too much fat in the blood, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke if left untreated. The 'unspecified' designation means your healthcare provider has documented elevated lipid levels but hasn't yet determined or documented the specific subtype of the condition.
S92402DFollow-up visit for a displaced fracture of the left big toe that is healing normally
This code is used for a subsequent healthcare visit (follow-up appointment) for a patient who previously had a displaced fracture of their left great toe (big toe). The fracture type was unspecified in the original diagnosis, but the bone pieces were displaced (moved out of their normal position). This particular code indicates that the patient is now in the healing phase and the fracture is healing as expected without complications. This is not the code used for the initial injury visit, but rather for follow-up care to monitor the healing progress.
R110Nausea - feeling sick to your stomach
This code represents nausea, which is the uncomfortable feeling of needing to vomit or being sick to your stomach. Nausea is a symptom that can occur for many different reasons and may or may not be accompanied by actual vomiting. It's a common symptom that healthcare providers document when patients report feeling queasy, sick to their stomach, or having the urge to throw up.
Z6821Body Mass Index (BMI) between 21.0 and 21.9 in an adult
This code indicates that your Body Mass Index (BMI) falls within the range of 21.0 to 21.9. BMI is a measurement that uses your height and weight to assess whether you're in a healthy weight range. A BMI in this range is considered within the normal, healthy weight category for adults. This is typically used for documentation purposes in medical records when BMI is relevant to your care or treatment planning.
S92902AInitial treatment for a broken bone in the left foot (closed fracture)
This code represents the first medical visit for a fracture (broken bone) somewhere in the left foot where the bone has not broken through the skin (called a 'closed fracture'). The specific location of the break in the foot has not been determined yet, which is why it's labeled as 'unspecified.' This initial encounter typically involves examination, X-rays to identify the exact location and severity of the fracture, pain management, and determining the appropriate treatment plan. The fracture could be in any of the many bones that make up the foot, including the toes, midfoot, or heel area.
J358Long-term diseases of the tonsils and adenoids not classified elsewhere
This code represents chronic (long-lasting) conditions affecting the tonsils and/or adenoids that don't fit into other specific categories. The tonsils are small masses of tissue at the back of your throat, and adenoids are similar tissue located behind your nose. This code covers ongoing diseases of these tissues that aren't acute infections or other specifically defined conditions.
Z882Medical record notation indicating a known allergy to sulfonamide medications
This code is used to document in your medical record that you have a known allergy or adverse reaction to sulfonamide medications (also called sulfa drugs). Sulfonamides are a class of antibiotics and other medications that can cause allergic reactions in some people. This code helps healthcare providers know to avoid prescribing sulfa-containing medications to prevent allergic reactions. It's a documentation code rather than a billable diagnosis.
R197Diarrhea without a specific underlying cause identified
This code is used when a patient has diarrhea (loose, watery stools occurring more frequently than normal) but the healthcare provider has not identified or specified the exact cause. Diarrhea can result from many different factors including infections, medications, dietary issues, or underlying medical conditions. This code indicates that while diarrhea is present and documented, additional testing or evaluation may be needed to determine the specific cause.
K921Black, tarry stools containing blood from upper digestive tract bleeding
Melena refers to black, tarry, sticky stools that have a distinctive foul odor. This condition occurs when blood from the upper part of the digestive system (such as the stomach or small intestine) is digested as it passes through the intestines, turning the stool dark black. The blood has been partially digested by stomach acid and enzymes, which gives it this characteristic appearance. This is different from bright red blood in stool, which typically comes from lower in the digestive tract. Melena is always considered a sign that needs medical attention as it indicates bleeding somewhere in the upper digestive system.
Z1151Medical visit for HPV screening test
This code represents a healthcare encounter specifically for screening for Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer and other health problems. This screening is typically done through cervical samples (like Pap tests) or specific HPV DNA tests to detect the presence of high-risk HPV types before symptoms develop. The screening helps identify HPV infections early when treatment and monitoring can be most effective.
S92412GDisplaced fracture of the big toe bone (subsequent encounter for delayed healing)
This code represents a subsequent encounter for a displaced fracture of the proximal phalanx (the bone closest to the foot) of the left great toe (big toe) with delayed healing. A displaced fracture means the bone pieces are not properly aligned. The '7th G' indicates this is a follow-up visit specifically because the fracture is taking longer than expected to heal properly.
M79675Pain in the left toe or toes
This code specifically identifies pain located in one or more toes on the left foot. It is used when a patient experiences discomfort, aching, or pain in their left toe(s) without specifying the underlying cause. The pain could be related to various conditions such as injury, inflammation, nerve issues, or other medical problems affecting the toes.
N644Breast pain or tenderness
Mastodynia is the medical term for breast pain or tenderness. This condition can affect one or both breasts and may feel like aching, burning, tightness, or sharp pain. The pain can be constant or come and go, and may be related to hormonal changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause. It can also be caused by breast cysts, infections, injury, or certain medications. While breast pain is often benign (not dangerous), healthcare providers may recommend imaging studies like MRI to rule out other conditions and determine the underlying cause.
Z803Family history of breast cancer
This code indicates that you have a family history of breast cancer, meaning one or more of your blood relatives (such as mother, sister, grandmother, or aunt) has been diagnosed with breast cancer. This information is important for your healthcare providers because having a family history of breast cancer may increase your own risk of developing the disease. Your doctor uses this code to document this family history in your medical records, which helps guide screening recommendations and preventive care decisions. This is not a diagnosis of cancer for you - it's simply documenting your family medical history.
Z6831Body Mass Index (BMI) between 31.0 and 31.9 in adults
This code indicates that your Body Mass Index (BMI) falls between 31.0 and 31.9. BMI is a measurement that uses your height and weight to assess whether you're in a healthy weight range. A BMI in this range is classified as obesity class I according to standard medical guidelines. This code is used for documentation and tracking purposes in your medical record.
R922Mammogram results that could not provide a clear or definitive finding
This code indicates that a mammogram (breast X-ray screening) was performed but the results were inconclusive, meaning the radiologist could not make a clear determination from the images. This could be due to various factors such as dense breast tissue, technical issues with the imaging, patient movement, or unclear areas that need further evaluation. An inconclusive mammogram does not mean there is a problem - it simply means additional imaging or follow-up may be needed to get clearer results.
T783XXASevere allergic swelling of face, lips, throat, or other body parts - first visit for this condition
Angioneurotic edema, also called angioedema, is a type of allergic reaction that causes deep swelling in the skin and mucous membranes, most commonly affecting the face, lips, eyelids, tongue, and throat. This swelling occurs beneath the surface of the skin and can develop rapidly. The 'initial encounter' designation means this is the first time you're receiving medical care for this particular episode of angioedema. This condition can be caused by allergic reactions to foods, medications, or other substances, and may require immediate medical attention especially if it affects breathing or swallowing.
R748Abnormal levels of certain enzymes found in blood test results
This code indicates that a blood test has shown abnormal levels of specific enzymes in your blood serum (the liquid part of blood). Enzymes are proteins that help chemical reactions occur in your body. When enzyme levels are outside the normal range, it can indicate various conditions affecting different organs or body systems. The specific enzymes and what the abnormal levels mean would depend on which particular enzymes were tested and whether they were higher or lower than normal ranges.
Z1231Screening mammogram appointment for breast cancer detection
This code represents a routine screening mammogram visit specifically for detecting breast cancer in patients without symptoms. This is a preventive healthcare service used to identify potential breast cancer early, before any signs or symptoms appear. The screening is performed on patients who do not currently have breast problems or symptoms.
S92912GFollow-up visit for a broken toe that is healing slower than expected
This code is used for subsequent healthcare visits related to an unspecified fracture (break) of the left toe(s) when the bone is taking longer than normal to heal. The 'unspecified' means the exact type or location of the toe fracture wasn't specifically documented. This is not the code used for the initial injury, but rather for follow-up appointments when delayed healing has been identified.
D251Non-cancerous tumor in the muscle wall of the uterus
An intramural leiomyoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor that grows within the muscle wall of the uterus. These tumors, also commonly called fibroids, develop from the smooth muscle tissue of the uterine wall. Intramural fibroids are located within the thick muscular layer of the uterus and are the most common type of uterine fibroid. They can vary in size and may cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, or pain, though some may cause no symptoms at all.
S0990XAHead injury of unknown type - first visit for treatment
This code indicates that you have sustained some type of injury to your head, but the specific nature or extent of the injury has not yet been determined or documented. This is your first visit to receive medical care for this head injury. The injury could range from minor bumps or bruises to more serious conditions, which is why further evaluation and testing may be needed to determine the exact type and severity of your head injury.
H5210Nearsightedness (myopia) - difficulty seeing distant objects clearly
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a vision condition where you can see objects close to you clearly, but objects farther away appear blurry. This happens when your eye is slightly longer than normal or your cornea (the clear front part of your eye) is too curved, causing light to focus in front of your retina instead of directly on it. This code indicates myopia without specifying which eye is affected or the severity level. It's a very common vision problem that typically develops during childhood or teenage years and can be easily corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
K648Other types of hemorrhoids not specifically classified elsewhere
This code refers to hemorrhoids (swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus) that don't fit into the more specific hemorrhoid categories. Hemorrhoids are very common and can cause symptoms like pain, itching, bleeding, or discomfort during bowel movements. They can be internal (inside the rectum) or external (around the anus). This particular code is used when the hemorrhoids don't match the criteria for other specific hemorrhoid diagnoses, but still require medical attention or treatment.
H6982A specific disorder affecting the eustachian tube in the left ear that doesn't fit into other standard categories
This code refers to a particular problem with your left eustachian tube that has specific characteristics but doesn't match the typical categories of eustachian tube disorders. The eustachian tube is a small passage that connects your middle ear to the back of your throat and helps equalize air pressure in your ear. When this tube isn't working properly, you might experience symptoms like ear fullness, muffled hearing, ear pain, or difficulty with pressure changes (like when flying or driving in mountains). The 'other specified' designation means your doctor has identified a specific type of eustachian tube problem that requires its own distinct classification for proper treatment and medical record keeping.
Z79890Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
This code indicates that you are currently taking hormone replacement therapy on a long-term basis. Hormone replacement therapy involves taking medications that contain hormones to replace those that your body no longer produces adequately. This is commonly prescribed for conditions like menopause, where estrogen and progesterone levels drop, or for other hormonal deficiencies. The code is used to document your ongoing HRT treatment in your medical records, which helps healthcare providers coordinate your care and be aware of potential interactions with other medications or treatments.
G90AIdiopathic peripheral autonomic neuropathy - nerve damage affecting automatic body functions
This code refers to a condition where the peripheral autonomic nervous system is damaged, but the cause is unknown (idiopathic). The autonomic nervous system controls automatic body functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation. When these nerves are damaged, it can affect how your body automatically manages these vital functions. Symptoms might include problems with blood pressure regulation (especially when standing up), digestive issues, temperature control problems, or heart rate irregularities. Since it's 'idiopathic,' doctors haven't been able to identify a specific underlying cause for the nerve damage.
K2950Chronic stomach inflammation without bleeding, type not specified
This code indicates you have chronic gastritis, which means the lining of your stomach has been inflamed (irritated and swollen) for an extended period of time. 'Chronic' means it's been going on for weeks, months, or longer, rather than being a sudden, short-term problem. The 'unspecified' part means your doctor hasn't identified the exact type or cause of the gastritis yet. The good news is that there's no bleeding detected, which means the inflammation hasn't caused any bleeding in your stomach lining. Common symptoms might include stomach pain, nausea, bloating, or feeling full quickly when eating. This condition can often be managed with medication and dietary changes.
R1310Difficulty swallowing food or liquids
Dysphagia is a medical term that describes difficulty or discomfort when swallowing food, liquids, or even saliva. This can feel like food getting stuck in your throat or chest, pain when swallowing, or the sensation that swallowing requires extra effort. The 'unspecified' designation means the exact cause or type of swallowing difficulty hasn't been determined yet. Dysphagia can range from mild discomfort to a serious condition that affects nutrition and safety, as it may increase the risk of choking or food entering the lungs. Common causes include muscle weakness, nerve problems, structural abnormalities, or conditions affecting the esophagus.
J8410Scarring of lung tissue that makes breathing difficult
Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition where the lung tissue becomes thick and scarred over time. This scarring makes it harder for your lungs to work properly and can cause shortness of breath, especially during physical activity. The 'unspecified' part means the exact cause or type of fibrosis hasn't been determined yet. This condition can develop from various causes including certain medications, environmental exposures, autoimmune diseases, or sometimes the cause is unknown. The scarring is usually permanent, but treatments can help slow progression and manage symptoms.
R350Frequent urination - needing to urinate more often than normal
This code indicates that you are experiencing urinary frequency, which means you need to urinate more often than what is considered normal for you. Normal urination frequency is typically 4-8 times per day, but this can vary from person to person. Frequent urination can be caused by various factors including urinary tract infections, bladder conditions, diabetes, medications, excessive fluid intake, or other medical conditions. Your healthcare provider will likely want to determine the underlying cause of your frequent urination through additional tests or evaluation.
H5789Other hearing loss in both ears
This code indicates that you have hearing loss affecting both of your ears, but it's a type that doesn't fit into the more specific categories of hearing loss that doctors typically diagnose. This could include mixed hearing loss (combination of different types), hearing loss from multiple causes, or other less common forms of hearing impairment. The hearing loss may range from mild to severe and can affect your ability to hear conversations, sounds in your environment, or specific frequencies of sound.
H2513Age-related clouding of the natural lens in both eyes (cataracts)
This code indicates that you have cataracts in both eyes. Cataracts occur when the natural lens inside your eye becomes cloudy, making your vision blurry or dim. The 'nuclear' type means the cloudiness is in the center part of the lens. This is a very common condition that develops naturally as we age, typically affecting people over 60. The cloudiness blocks light from reaching the back of your eye clearly, which is why you may notice difficulty seeing, especially at night, increased glare from lights, or colors appearing faded. This is not an emergency condition and develops gradually over time.
B9689Other bacterial infection causing illness in another part of the body
This code indicates that a bacterial infection (caused by bacteria other than the most common types) is the underlying cause of a disease or condition affecting another part of your body. This is what doctors call a 'secondary code' - it helps explain what caused your main health problem. For example, if you have pneumonia caused by an unusual type of bacteria, this code would identify that specific bacterial cause. The bacteria involved are less common ones that don't have their own specific codes in the medical coding system.
R3915Sudden, strong urge to urinate that's difficult to control
Urinary urgency means you experience a sudden, intense need to urinate that feels difficult to delay or control. This can happen even when your bladder isn't completely full. You might feel like you need to rush to the bathroom immediately, and the sensation can be uncomfortable or distressing. This condition can occur on its own or as part of other bladder or urinary tract conditions. It's different from simply needing to urinate frequently - it's specifically about the intensity and suddenness of the urge.
H16141Small spots of inflammation on the clear front part of the right eye
Punctate keratitis is a condition where small, dot-like areas of inflammation develop on the cornea (the clear, dome-shaped front surface of your right eye). These tiny spots can cause symptoms like eye pain, sensitivity to light, tearing, and blurred vision. The condition can be caused by various factors including dry eyes, infections (viral, bacterial, or fungal), allergies, contact lens problems, or exposure to irritants. While it sounds concerning, punctate keratitis is often treatable and many cases resolve with proper care.
D500Iron deficiency anemia caused by ongoing blood loss over time
This condition means you have anemia (low red blood cell count) because your body doesn't have enough iron. The iron deficiency happened because you've been losing small amounts of blood over a long period of time, which gradually depleted your body's iron stores. This type of blood loss is often so slow that you might not notice it happening. Common causes include heavy menstrual periods, bleeding in the digestive tract from ulcers or other conditions, or frequent blood donations. Your body needs iron to make healthy red blood cells, so when iron levels get too low, you develop anemia, which can make you feel tired, weak, or short of breath.
R202Abnormal skin sensations like tingling, numbness, or 'pins and needles'
Paresthesia refers to unusual sensations in your skin that you might describe as tingling, numbness, burning, prickling, or feeling like 'pins and needles.' These sensations can occur anywhere on your body and may feel like your skin is crawling, itching without a rash, or like parts of your body have 'fallen asleep.' This condition can be temporary (like when your foot falls asleep) or ongoing, and can result from various causes including nerve irritation, vitamin deficiencies, medication side effects, or underlying medical conditions. The sensations are real and not imaginary, though there may not be any visible changes to your skin.
N6310A lump or mass found in the right breast that needs further evaluation to determine what it is
This code indicates that a healthcare provider has identified a lump or mass in your right breast, but they haven't yet determined exactly what type of lump it is or its specific location within the breast. The lump could be many different things - it might be a cyst (fluid-filled sac), a benign (non-cancerous) growth like a fibroadenoma, or it could require further testing to rule out other conditions. This is a diagnostic code used when additional testing or evaluation is needed to better understand the nature of the lump. It's important to note that most breast lumps are benign, but proper medical evaluation is essential to determine the exact nature of any breast abnormality.
Z789Documentation of a specific health condition or status that affects your care
This code is used by healthcare providers to document a particular health status, condition, or circumstance that is important for your medical care but doesn't fit into other standard diagnostic categories. It's often used to record factors that influence your health or treatment decisions, such as specific risk factors, health maintenance needs, or other medically relevant circumstances. This code helps ensure your complete health picture is documented for proper care coordination and medical decision-making.
V4352XACar driver injured in a car-to-car collision on a public road - initial medical visit
This code indicates that you were the driver of a car that was involved in a collision with another car on a public road or highway, and this is your first medical visit for injuries from that accident. This is an external cause code that helps healthcare providers and insurance companies understand how your injury occurred. It's used alongside other codes that describe your specific injuries (like broken bones, cuts, or bruises). The code helps track traffic accident patterns and ensures proper documentation for insurance and legal purposes.
R519Headache, unspecified type
This code indicates you experienced a headache, but the specific type or cause wasn't determined or documented during your visit. Headaches are very common and can have many different causes, ranging from stress, dehydration, or lack of sleep to more specific medical conditions. Since this is coded as 'unspecified,' it means your healthcare provider documented that you had head pain but didn't identify it as a particular type of headache (like migraine, tension headache, or cluster headache). This could be because it was a one-time occurrence, the pattern wasn't clear yet, or additional evaluation might be needed to determine the specific type.
F17210Nicotine addiction from cigarette smoking without other complications
This code indicates that you have been diagnosed with nicotine dependence specifically from cigarette smoking. Nicotine dependence means your body has become physically and psychologically dependent on nicotine, making it difficult to quit smoking without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. The 'uncomplicated' part means that at this time, there are no additional smoking-related health problems or complications documented alongside the addiction itself. This diagnosis is often used when healthcare providers are documenting smoking cessation efforts, prescribing quit-smoking medications, or referring patients to smoking cessation programs.
E042Non-cancerous enlarged thyroid gland with multiple lumps or nodules
This code refers to a condition where your thyroid gland (located in your neck) has become enlarged and contains multiple small lumps called nodules. The 'nontoxic' part means these nodules are not producing excess thyroid hormones, so your thyroid function remains normal. 'Multinodular' means there are several nodules present rather than just one. A goiter simply means an enlarged thyroid gland. This condition is generally benign (non-cancerous) but may cause visible swelling in the neck or, in some cases, difficulty swallowing or breathing if the goiter becomes very large. The nodules are typically discovered through physical examination or imaging studies like ultrasound.
T50Z95AInitial treatment for an adverse reaction to a vaccine or biological medicine
This code indicates that you experienced an unwanted side effect or adverse reaction to a vaccine or biological medication, and this is your first visit for treatment of that reaction. Biological substances include vaccines, blood products, and certain medications derived from living organisms. Adverse effects can range from mild reactions like soreness at the injection site to more serious allergic reactions. The 'initial encounter' designation means this is the first time you're receiving medical care specifically for this reaction. Your healthcare team will evaluate your symptoms, provide appropriate treatment, and monitor your recovery.
R5382Ongoing tiredness and exhaustion that doesn't improve with rest
Chronic fatigue, unspecified refers to persistent, overwhelming tiredness that lasts for months and doesn't get better with rest or sleep. This condition goes beyond normal tiredness - it can make daily activities very difficult and may be accompanied by other symptoms like muscle pain, difficulty concentrating, or sleep problems. The 'unspecified' part means the exact cause or type of chronic fatigue hasn't been determined yet. This code is used when you're receiving home health services to help manage your symptoms and improve your daily functioning.
R300Painful or difficult urination
Dysuria is the medical term for experiencing pain, burning, stinging, or discomfort when urinating. This symptom can affect anyone and may feel like a burning sensation, sharp pain, or general discomfort during urination. It's often described as feeling like 'fire' when passing urine. Dysuria is a symptom rather than a disease itself, and can be caused by various conditions including urinary tract infections, bladder infections, kidney stones, sexually transmitted infections, or irritation from soaps, perfumes, or certain medications. While uncomfortable, it's usually treatable once the underlying cause is identified.
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