ICD-10 Coding for Degenerative Disc Disease (Lumbosacral)(M51.37)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Degenerative Disc Disease (Lumbosacral). Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Degenerative Disc Disease (Lumbosacral)
M51.3-M51.37Primary Range
Other intervertebral disc degeneration
This range covers degenerative disc disease affecting the lumbar and lumbosacral regions, with M51.37 specifically for the lumbosacral area.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for lumbosacral degenerative disc disease
Essential facts and insights about Degenerative Disc Disease (Lumbosacral)
Primary ICD-10-CM Code for degenerative disk disease lumbosacral
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- MRI findings of disc degeneration at L5-S1
documentation Criteria
- Specify pain location and chronicity
Applicable To
- Lumbosacral disc degeneration
Excludes
- Cervical disc degeneration
- Thoracic disc degeneration
Clinical Validation Requirements
- MRI showing disc height loss ≥50%
- Modic changes
- Vacuum phenomenon
Code-Specific Risks
- Using without specifying pain location post-2024
- Failing to document chronicity
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the exact location and type of pain for accurate coding.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Radiculopathy, lumbar region
M54.16Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Degenerative Disc Disease (Lumbosacral) to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M51.37.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential denial of claims
Mitigation Strategy
Use templates to ensure all required elements are documented, Regular training on documentation standards
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential revenue loss., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient care and research.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document and code the specific location and type of pain.
Impact
Using unspecified codes when specific ones are available.
Mitigation Strategy
Regular audits and coder education on specificity requirements.
Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Degenerative Disc Disease (Lumbosacral), with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Degenerative Disc Disease (Lumbosacral)
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Degenerative Disc Disease (Lumbosacral). These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Neurosurgery H&P for Lumbosacral DDD
Specialty: NeurosurgeryRequired Elements
- Localization of pain
- Imaging confirmation
- Treatment history
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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