M25.511 Diagnosis Code – ICD-10 Right Shoulder Pain 2025

A men ill with the righ shoulder pain left hand on right shoulder on pain place for this treatement use this M25.511 Diagnosis Code and billing process.

Key Takeaways

  • M25.511 is the ICD-10 code for pain in the right shoulder when the cause is not yet identified.
  • Providers use this code for initial visits when imaging/tests haven’t confirmed the condition.
  • Once the underlying issue (e.g., rotator cuff tear, arthritis, bursitis) is diagnosed, the code must be updated.
  • Related codes include:
  • M25.512 → Left shoulder pain
  • M25.519 → Unspecified shoulder pain
  • M75.101 → Rotator cuff tear, right shoulder
  • Correct coding supports accurate medical documentation, insurance approvals, and timely reimbursements.
  • Billing Tip: Always update from M25.511 to a more specific code once the diagnosis is confirmed.

ICD-10 code M25.511 is used to describe maximum situations of pain, especially in the right shoulder. Healthcare providers use this code to document patient symptoms when pain exists, but the exact underlying cause has not yet been identified. 

Correct use of this code ensures accurate medical documentation, smooth billing, and proper insurance claim processing.

What is the M25.511 Diagnosis Code?

The M25.511 diagnosis code refers to pain localized in the right shoulder without specifying the root cause. Physicians apply this ICD-10 code when a patient complains of shoulder pain. Still, diagnostic tests have not confirmed whether it is due to a rotator cuff tear, arthritis, bursitis, or other shoulder conditions.

This code helps establish the patient’s condition in early visits, before a more specific diagnosis is available.

Quick ICD-10 Reference Table

Here’s a basic association of right shoulder pain vs. rotator cuff tear codes in ICD-10:

ICD-10 Code

Meaning

When It’s Appropriate

Related Options

M25.511

Pain in the right shoulder

Used when the patient has shoulder pain without a confirmed diagnosis

M25.512 (Left shoulder pain), M25.519 (Unspecified shoulder pain)

M75.101

Rotator cuff tear – right shoulder (unspecified type)

Applied when the pain is confirmed to be from a rotator cuff injury

M75.111 (Incomplete tear, right shoulder)

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When Do Providers Use M25.511?

Healthcare providers apply this code in situations such as:

  • A patient visits with general right shoulder pain but no imaging has been completed.
  • The pain isn’t linked to fractures, infections, or recent trauma.
  • The clinician wants to document symptoms first, before assigning a more specific diagnosis.

Once tests confirm the cause (like arthritis, bursitis, or rotator cuff tears), the ICD-10 code must be updated to reflect the accurate condition

Difference between M25.511 and Related Codes

  • M25.511 → Pain in right shoulder (general symptom code).
  • M25.512 → Pain in left shoulder.
  • M25.519 → Shoulder pain, unspecified side.
  • M75.101 → Right shoulder turner cuff tears (when certain).

Using the correct code matters because insurers require clinical accuracy for claim approvals.

Common Causes of Right Shoulder Pain

Right shoulder discomfort can come from different conditions, including:

  • Rotator cuff injuries (partial or complete tear)
  • Inflammation, such as bursitis or tendonitis
  • Arthritis in the shoulder joint
  • Overuse or repetitive strain
  • Nerve-linked pain from the neck or upper back (referred pain)

Correct ICD-10 medical coding ensures that the medical record reflects whether the pain is just a symptom (M25.511) or tied to a diagnosed disorder (e.g., M75.101).

Billing Guidelines for M25.511

  • Use the M.25.511 diagnosis code for general documentation of right shoulder pain when the cause is still under investigation.
  • If imaging or physical test checks a rotator cuff tear, update the claim to 101.
  • Insurance companies may require supporting clinical notes to justify why M25.511 was billed instead of a more specific code.

Tip: Always update the diagnosis code as soon as a clearer condition is identified.

Final Thoughts

ICD-10 code M25.511 is used to record right shoulder pain when the exact cause has not yet been identified. It allows providers to capture symptoms accurately, supports correct billing, and ensures insurance compliance. Once the underlying issue, such as a rotator cuff tear, bursitis, or arthritis, is identified, the diagnosis should be updated to a more specific ICD-10 code.

By applying the M25.511 diagnosis code correctly, clinicians maintain accurate medical records while giving patients a clear path toward diagnosis and treatment.

Need help with musculoskeletal and orthopedic billing?
Contact Cures Medical Billing for expert support on ICD-10 codes like M25.511 (Right Shoulder Pain), M25.512, and M75.101. We ensure your claims are coded correctly — so you get reimbursed fully and on time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

It refers to pain in the right shoulder without identifying the underlying cause.

Yes, but if the pain is clearly due to a chronic condition such as arthritis, the specific ICD-10 code should be reported instead.

If the pain is caused by a chronic issue like arthritis, use the exact code for that condition instead of M25.511.

Do not use it when the exact cause (fracture, infection, rotator cuff tear) is already confirmed.

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