Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue
ICD-10 Code: M25.512
Pain in Left Shoulder
Pain in left shoulder without identification of specific underlying pathology.
Clinical Information
Left shoulder pain has identical etiology and clinical presentation to right shoulder pain. Common causes include rotator cuff pathology, impingement syndrome, adhesive capsulitis, osteoarthritis, and referred pain. Evaluation and management follow same principles as right shoulder pain. This code is used when specific diagnosis cannot yet be established.
Coding Guidelines
- 1Use M25.512 for non-specific left shoulder pain when definitive diagnosis unavailable
- 2Do NOT use if specific pathology identified
- 3For bilateral shoulder pain, code both M25.511 and M25.512
- 4Laterality is essential in musculoskeletal coding
Common Uses
- Primary care visit for left shoulder pain, workup pending
- PT evaluation for non-specific left shoulder discomfort
- Urgent care for acute left shoulder pain without trauma
Related ICD-10 Codes
M25.511Pain in right shoulder
M75.102Unspecified rotator cuff tear, left shoulder
Documentation Requirements
- Document 'left shoulder pain' with characteristics
- Examination findings and range of motion
- Planned workup or reason specific diagnosis not yet made
Real-World Coding Examples
Patient with left shoulder pain x 2 weeks, exam shows limited active ROM. MRI pending. Diagnosis: Pain in left shoulder (M25.512).
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