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ICD-10 Coding for Lumbosacral Foraminal Stenosis(M48.062, M99.63)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Lumbosacral Foraminal Stenosis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Neural Foraminal StenosisLumbosacral Nerve Root Compression

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Lumbosacral Foraminal Stenosis

M48.06-M48.07Primary Range

Spinal stenosis, lumbar region

This range includes codes for lumbar stenosis with and without neurogenic claudication, which are critical for coding lumbosacral foraminal stenosis.

Disorders of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue, neural foraminal stenosis

This code is used for neural foraminal stenosis when it occurs as a biomechanical lesion without central stenosis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M48.062Spinal stenosis, lumbar region with neurogenic claudicationUse when MRI confirms central stenosis with neurogenic claudication symptoms.
  • MRI showing central canal stenosis with CSF obliteration
  • Symptoms of neurogenic claudication such as leg pain worsened by walking
M99.63Neural foraminal stenosisUse when foraminal stenosis occurs without central stenosis.
  • MRI showing nerve root compression in the neural foramen
  • Absence of central canal stenosis

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for lumbosacral foraminal stenosis

Essential facts and insights about Lumbosacral Foraminal Stenosis

The ICD-10 code for lumbosacral foraminal stenosis with neurogenic claudication is M48.062.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for lumbosacral foraminal stenosis

Spinal stenosis, lumbar region with neurogenic claudication
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of neurogenic claudication symptoms

documentation Criteria

  • MRI findings of central canal stenosis

Applicable To

  • Lumbar stenosis with neurogenic claudication

Excludes

  • Spinal stenosis without neurogenic claudication

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI showing central canal stenosis with CSF obliteration
  • Symptoms of neurogenic claudication such as leg pain worsened by walking

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding without confirming neurogenic claudication can lead to audits.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies neurogenic claudication to use this code.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Neural foraminal stenosis

M99.63
Use as an ancillary code when foraminal stenosis is present alongside central stenosis.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Spinal stenosis, lumbar region without neurogenic claudication

M48.061
Use when neurogenic claudication is not present.

Spinal stenosis, lumbar region with neurogenic claudication

M48.062
Use M48.062 if central stenosis with neurogenic claudication is present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Lumbosacral Foraminal Stenosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M48.062.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incorrect treatment planning., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation requirements., Use templates with required fields.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to reduced reimbursement., Compliance: May trigger audits due to lack of specificity., Data Quality: Impacts accuracy of clinical data records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation clearly states the presence or absence of neurogenic claudication.

Impact

Lack of specificity in documenting neurogenic claudication.

Mitigation Strategy

Use detailed templates and checklists for documentation.

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 Lumbosacral Foraminal Stenosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Lumbosacral Foraminal Stenosis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Lumbosacral Foraminal Stenosis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Neurology Progress Note

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Patient's subjective symptoms
  • Objective findings
  • MRI results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

Patient reports 8/10 sharp R leg pain radiating to foot, exacerbated by prolonged standing. MRI: Grade 2 R L5-S1 foraminal stenosis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Low back pain with leg numbness.
Good Documentation Example
Neurogenic claudication: 10/10 pain after 200m walking, MRI shows grade 3 foraminal stenosis at L5-S1.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptoms and MRI findings, supporting the code choice.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Lumbosacral Foraminal Stenosis? Ask your questions below.

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