ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for acute pain
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Pain (s) › acute”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding acute pain
The ICD-10-CM code for acute pain is R52 (Pain, unspecified). The official index lists 4 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on R52.
Don't report R52 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: acute and chronic pain, not elsewhere classified (G89.-), abdomen pain (R10.-), back pain (M54.9), breast pain (N64.4) and 15 more.
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 947 (Signs and Symptoms with MCC, relative weight 1.261) and DRG 948 (Signs and Symptoms without MCC, relative weight 0.7835), in MDC 23 (Factors Influencing Health Status and Other Contacts with Health Services), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.
More specific acute pain codes (official index)
Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for R52)
- 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)
Common questions about acute pain ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for acute pain?
- R52 — Pain, unspecified. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: G89.11, G89.3, G89.18, G89.12.
What is the ICD-10 code for neoplasm related acute pain?
- G89.3 — Neoplasm related pain (acute) (chronic).
What is the ICD-10 code for postprocedural nec acute pain?
- G89.18 — Other acute postprocedural pain.
What is the ICD-10 code for post-thoracotomy acute pain?
- G89.12 — Acute post-thoracotomy pain.
Is R52 billable?
- Yes. R52 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can R52 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict R52 as a principal diagnosis.
Is R52 a CC or MCC?
- No. R52 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.