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ICD-10 Coding for Lumbar Spondylosis without Myelopathy or Radiculopathy(M47.816)

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

Also known as:

Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar SpineLumbar Osteoarthritis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Lumbar Spondylosis without Myelopathy or Radiculopathy

M47.2-M47.9Primary Range

Other spondylosis

This range includes codes for spondylosis affecting various regions of the spine, including the lumbar region without myelopathy or radiculopathy.

Key Information: What is ICD-10 code M47.816?

Essential facts and insights about Lumbar Spondylosis without Myelopathy or Radiculopathy

ICD-10 code M47.816 refers to lumbar spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy, requiring specific documentation of the absence of neurological symptoms.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for m47816

Spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy, lumbar region
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must explicitly state 'without myelopathy or radiculopathy'.

clinical Criteria

  • Imaging shows degeneration without nerve compression.

Applicable To

  • Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine without nerve involvement

Excludes

  • Spondylosis with myelopathy (M47.1-)
  • Spondylosis with radiculopathy (M47.2-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging studies showing degeneration without nerve compression
  • Clinical examination confirming absence of neurological symptoms

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use without explicit documentation of absence of myelopathy/radiculopathy

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation explicitly states 'without myelopathy or radiculopathy' to use M47.816.

Ancillary Codes

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

Low back pain

M54.5
Use to document concurrent nonspecific low back pain.

Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region

M51.36
Use when degenerative disc disease is confirmed by imaging.

Differential Codes

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

Spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy, lumbosacral region

M47.817
Use when the spondylosis affects the lumbosacral region rather than just the lumbar region.

Other spondylosis, lumbar region

M47.896
Use when the documentation does not specify the absence of myelopathy or radiculopathy.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Lumbar Spondylosis without Myelopathy or Radiculopathy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M47.816.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit and non-compliance., Financial: Potential for denied claims and revenue loss.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation standards, Use templates with required elements

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines may result in audits., Data Quality: Inaccurate data entry affects patient records and statistics.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation explicitly states absence of myelopathy/radiculopathy.

Impact

Failure to document absence of myelopathy/radiculopathy can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation and regular training for providers.

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

Documentation Templates for Lumbar Spondylosis without Myelopathy or Radiculopathy

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

Chronic lumbar spondylosis evaluation

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Exclusion of neurological symptoms

Example Documentation

Patient presents with chronic lumbar stiffness. Imaging shows L4-L5 spondylosis without nerve compression. No myelopathy or radiculopathy observed.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Lumbar spondylosis noted.
Good Documentation Example
L4-L5 spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy confirmed by MRI.
Explanation
The good example provides specific spinal levels and confirms absence of neurological symptoms.

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

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