R52
Billable

Pain, unspecified

Billable / Specific Code

What is Pain, unspecified?

ICD-10-CM R52 is the diagnosis code for Pain, unspecified. This code falls under the section "General symptoms and signs" within Chapter 18 — Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99). It is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

💡 Inclusions
⛔ Excludes1

Coding Guidelines for R52

✅ This Code Includes

  • Acute pain NOS
  • Generalized pain NOS
  • Pain NOS

⛔ Type 1 Excludes (Never code together)

The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as R52. They are mutually exclusive:

  • acute and chronic pain, not elsewhere classified (G89.-)
  • localized pain, unspecified type - code to pain by site, such as:
  • abdomen pain (R10.-)
  • back pain (M54.9)
  • breast pain (N64.4)
  • chest pain (R07.1-R07.9)
  • ear pain (H92.0-)
  • eye pain (H57.1)
  • headache (R51.9)
  • joint pain (M25.5-)
  • limb pain (M79.6-)
  • lumbar region pain (M54.5-)
  • pelvic and perineal pain (R10.2-)
  • shoulder pain (M25.51-)
  • spine pain (M54.-)
  • throat pain (R07.0)
  • tongue pain (K14.6)
  • tooth pain (K08.8)
  • renal colic (N23)
  • pain disorders exclusively related to psychological factors (F45.41)

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where R52 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is R52 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

Yes, R52 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

What does R52 mean?

R52 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Pain, unspecified". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What section is R52 in?

R52 is located in Section R50-R69 — "General symptoms and signs" within Chapter 18 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

When should I use R52?

Use R52 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Pain, unspecified" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Pain, unspecified?

The ICD-10-CM code for Pain, unspecified is R52.

Can R52 be used for primary diagnosis?

Yes, R52 can be used as a primary diagnosis code since it is billable and specific.

What chapter is R52 in?

R52 is in Chapter 18 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What conditions are excluded from R52?

Type 1 Excludes for R52 include: acute and chronic pain, not elsewhere classified (G89.-); localized pain, unspecified type - code to pain by site, such as:; abdomen pain (R10.-) and more.

Is R52 valid for 2026?

Yes, R52 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousR51.9Headache, unspecifiedNext →R53Malaise and fatigue
Code Details
R52
Pain, unspecified
Billable / Specific Code
18 — Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99)
R50-R69 — General symptoms and signs
2026 ICD-10-CM