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ICD-10 Coding for Lumbosacral Spondylosis without Myelopathy(M47.817)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Lumbosacral Spondylosis without Myelopathy. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Degenerative Disc Disease LumbosacralLumbosacral Osteoarthritis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Lumbosacral Spondylosis without Myelopathy

M47.8-M47.9Primary Range

Other spondylosis with and without myelopathy

This range includes specific codes for spondylosis affecting different spinal regions, including the lumbosacral area without myelopathy.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for lumbosacral spondylosis without myelopathy

Essential facts and insights about Lumbosacral Spondylosis without Myelopathy

The ICD-10 code for lumbosacral spondylosis without myelopathy is M47.817, used for degenerative changes in the lumbosacral region without myelopathy or radiculopathy.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for lumbosacral spondylosis without myelopathy

Spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy, lumbosacral region
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Degenerative changes in the lumbosacral spine without neurological symptoms

documentation Criteria

  • Imaging reports confirming absence of nerve compression

Applicable To

  • Degenerative changes in lumbosacral spine without neurological involvement

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging showing facet joint osteoarthritis without nerve root compression
  • Physical exam indicating no neurological deficits

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with unspecified codes like M47.9 when documentation is specific
  • Incorrect pairing with radiculopathy codes without clinical justification

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the absence of myelopathy or radiculopathy to justify M47.817.

Ancillary Codes

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

Low back pain

M54.5
Use when low back pain is a significant symptom requiring separate management.

Differential Codes

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

Spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy, lumbar region

M47.816
Use M47.816 for lumbar region involvement (L1-L4) without lumbosacral involvement.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Lumbosacral Spondylosis without Myelopathy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M47.817.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit due to incomplete documentation., Financial: Potential for claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough neurological examination is documented., Include imaging findings in patient records.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: May trigger audits due to use of unspecified codes., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of clinical data and patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation clearly states the specific spinal region and absence of neurological involvement to use M47.817.

Impact

Increased scrutiny on use of unspecified codes when specific codes are available.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the use of specific codes like M47.817.

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 Spondylosis without Myelopathy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Lumbosacral Spondylosis without Myelopathy

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Lumbosacral Spondylosis without Myelopathy. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Orthopedic Follow-Up

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with chronic low back pain. MRI shows facet joint osteoarthritis at L5-S1. No neurological deficits noted. Plan for physical therapy and pain management.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has back pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports chronic low back pain. MRI indicates degenerative changes at L5-S1 without nerve compression. No myelopathy or radiculopathy observed.
Explanation
The good example provides specific anatomical and clinical details necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Lumbosacral Spondylosis without Myelopathy? Ask your questions below.

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