Costovertebral Tenderness

Subcategory R39.85, Costovertebral (angle) tenderness, was created with four new codes to capture costovertebral (angle) tenderness:R39.851 Costovertebral (angle) tenderness, right side R39.852 Costovertebral (angle) tenderness, left side R39.853 Costovertebral (angle) tenderness, bilateral R39.859 Costovertebral (angle) tenderness, unspecified side The costovertebral angle (CVA) is the angle formed between the curve of the bottom of the 12th rib and the spine. Tenderness or pain in this area can be indicative of a kidney issue, such as an infection or even kidney stones. ...

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Note:  The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AHA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.

Article Overview

This article covers a diagnosis coding update for costovertebral angle tenderness, including the newly created subcategory and the set of related laterality-specific options. It is relevant to coders and clinicians who document or code findings associated with this exam finding and want to understand the scope of the update and its general clinical context.

Why This Topic Matters

Understanding this update helps coders recognize when documentation refers to costovertebral angle tenderness and whether the record supports a more specific diagnosis code within the updated subcategory. It also helps clinical staff and coding teams stay aligned on how this common exam finding is represented in diagnosis coding.

What You Will Learn

  • The scope of the diagnosis coding update for costovertebral angle tenderness
  • The relationship between the subcategory and its newly added related codes
  • The general clinical significance of tenderness in the costovertebral angle region
  • How this finding is situated within broader kidney-related evaluation context

Who Should Read This

  • Medical coders
  • Coding auditors
  • Clinical documentation specialists
  • Physicians and other clinicians
  • Revenue cycle staff

Codes Discussed

  • ICD-10-CM: R39.851
  • ICD-10-CM: R39.852
  • ICD-10-CM: R39.853
  • ICD-10-CM: R39.859

Code Ranges Discussed

  • ICD-10-CM: R39.85

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