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ICD-10 Coding for Sacroiliac Dysfunction(M53.3, S33.6)

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

Also known as:

SI Joint DysfunctionSacroiliac Joint Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Sacroiliac Dysfunction

M53-M54Primary Range

Other dorsopathies

Includes codes for sacroiliac joint dysfunction and related disorders.

Injuries to the lumbar spine and pelvis

Covers acute injuries such as sprains affecting the sacroiliac joint.

Spondylopathies

Includes inflammatory conditions like sacroiliitis that can affect the sacroiliac joint.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M53.3Sacroiliac joint dysfunctionUse for chronic sacroiliac joint dysfunction without acute injury.
  • Positive provocation tests such as FABER or thigh thrust
  • Imaging showing degenerative changes
S33.6Sprain of sacroiliac jointUse for acute sprain of the sacroiliac joint.
  • History of trauma
  • Positive FABER test

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 sacroiliac dysfunction

Essential facts and insights about Sacroiliac Dysfunction

The ICD-10 code for sacroiliac dysfunction is M53.3, used for chronic conditions without acute injury.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for sacroiliac dysfunction

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Chronic pain and positive SIJ tests

Applicable To

  • Sacroiliac joint pain
  • Sacroiliac joint disorder

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive provocation tests such as FABER or thigh thrust
  • Imaging showing degenerative changes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if acute injury is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies chronicity and absence of acute injury.

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 associated low back pain.

Strain of muscle and tendon of pelvis

S39.012
Use for associated muscle strain.

Differential Codes

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

Sacroiliitis, not elsewhere classified

M46.1
Use when inflammation is confirmed by imaging and lab tests.

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction

M53.3
Use for chronic conditions without recent trauma.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document left, right, or bilateral involvement.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use S33.6 for acute sprain cases.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of injection procedures.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed procedure notes including guidance method.

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 Sacroiliac Dysfunction, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Sacroiliac Dysfunction

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

Chronic sacroiliac joint dysfunction

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical exam findings
  • Provocation test results
  • Imaging findings

Example Documentation

Patient presents with chronic right SI joint pain, positive FABER test, and degenerative changes on MRI.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
SI joint pain present.
Good Documentation Example
Chronic right SI joint pain, positive FABER test, degenerative changes on MRI.
Explanation
The good example provides specific test results and imaging findings.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Sacroiliac Dysfunction? Ask your questions below.

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