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ICD-10 Coding for Sacrococcygeal Pain(M53.3, M53.82)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Sacrococcygeal Pain. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

CoccydyniaTailbone Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Sacrococcygeal Pain

M53.3-M53.83Primary Range

Other and unspecified dorsopathies

This range includes codes for sacrococcygeal disorders, which are primary for sacrococcygeal pain.

Pain, not elsewhere classified

These codes are used for pain management scenarios related to sacrococcygeal pain.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M53.3Sacrococcygeal disorders, not elsewhere classifiedUse when documentation specifies localized sacrococcygeal pain without evidence of fracture or neoplasm.
  • Tenderness localized to sacrococcygeal junction
  • No evidence of fracture or neoplasm
  • Pain exacerbated by sitting >30 minutes
M53.82Other specified disorders of sacrumUse when dynamic radiographs confirm hypermobility and pain relief is achieved through guided injections.
  • Dynamic radiographs show >25° coccygeal mobility
  • Ultrasound-guided injection provides >50% pain relief

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 sacrococcygeal pain

Essential facts and insights about Sacrococcygeal Pain

The ICD-10 code for sacrococcygeal pain is M53.3, covering disorders not elsewhere classified.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for sacrococcygeal pain

Sacrococcygeal disorders, not elsewhere classified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain localized to sacrococcygeal junction without fracture

Applicable To

  • Localized sacrococcygeal pain

Excludes

  • Fracture of coccyx
  • Neoplasm of coccyx

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Tenderness localized to sacrococcygeal junction
  • No evidence of fracture or neoplasm
  • Pain exacerbated by sitting >30 minutes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if fracture or neoplasm is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states the absence of fracture or neoplasm.

Ancillary Codes

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

Acute post-traumatic pain

G89.11
Use when the encounter is primarily for pain management following trauma.

Injection, intermediate joint

20605
Use for therapeutic injections into the sacrococcygeal joint.

Differential Codes

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

Other dorsalgia

M54.18
Use M54.18 for generalized lumbosacral pain, not localized to sacrococcygeal junction.

Sacrococcygeal disorders, NEC

M53.3
Use M53.3 for disorders without documented hypermobility.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Sacrococcygeal Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M53.3.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis of sacrococcygeal disorders., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure dynamic radiographs are performed, Document radiographic findings clearly

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider to clarify if pain is generalized or specific to sacrococcygeal junction.

Impact

Incorrect sequencing of G89 codes for pain management.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure G89 codes are sequenced first when pain management is the primary reason for the encounter.

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 Sacrococcygeal Pain, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Sacrococcygeal Pain

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Sacrococcygeal Pain. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Chronic Sacrococcygeal Pain

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Pain severity and duration
  • Physical exam findings
  • Imaging results
  • Treatment history

Example Documentation

45yo male with 6-month history of localized sacrococcygeal pain (7/10 VAS) worsening with prolonged sitting. Physical exam reveals tenderness on sacrococcygeal joint compression.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient complains of tailbone pain. Recommend follow-up.
Good Documentation Example
Patient with 6-month history of sacrococcygeal pain (7/10 VAS), tenderness on compression, failed 8-week conservative management.
Explanation
Good example provides specific pain details, exam findings, and treatment history.

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