Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Sacroiliac Pain(M46.1, M53.3, M99.0, S33.6)

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

Also known as:

SI Joint PainSacroiliac Joint DysfunctionSIJ Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Sacroiliac Pain

M46-M53Primary Range

Other inflammatory spondylopathies and dorsopathies

This range includes codes for inflammatory and non-inflammatory sacroiliac joint disorders.

Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of lumbar spine and pelvis

This range includes codes for traumatic injuries to the sacroiliac joint.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M46.1Sacroiliitis, not elsewhere classifiedUse when there is evidence of inflammatory sacroiliitis.
  • Unilateral/bilateral SIJ tenderness
  • CRP/ESR elevation
  • HLA-B27 positivity
M53.3Sacroiliac joint dysfunction, not elsewhere classifiedUse for non-inflammatory sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
  • Pain localized to Fortin's point
  • 3/5 positive provocation tests
M99.0Segmental and somatic dysfunction of sacroiliac regionUse for segmental dysfunction without trauma.
  • Restricted SIJ mobility on spring test
  • Pelvic obliquity
S33.6Sprain of sacroiliac jointUse for acute traumatic injuries to the sacroiliac joint.
  • Mechanism of injury
  • Positive compression/distraction tests

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 pain

Essential facts and insights about Sacroiliac Pain

The ICD-10 code for sacroiliac pain depends on the cause: M46.1 for inflammatory sacroiliitis and M53.3 for non-inflammatory dysfunction.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for sacroiliac pain

Sacroiliitis, not elsewhere classified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of inflammatory markers and positive imaging findings.

Applicable To

  • Inflammatory sacroiliac joint pain

Excludes

  • Non-inflammatory sacroiliac joint pain

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Unilateral/bilateral SIJ tenderness
  • CRP/ESR elevation
  • HLA-B27 positivity

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if non-inflammatory causes are present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure inflammatory markers are documented.

Differential Codes

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

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction

M53.3
Non-inflammatory with positive provocation tests and absence of radiculopathy.

Sacroiliitis, not elsewhere classified

M46.1
Presence of inflammatory markers and imaging findings.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Sacroiliac Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M46.1.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in treatment planning., Regulatory: Potential for claim denials., Financial: Delayed reimbursements.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify left, right, or bilateral involvement.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 specificity requirements., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use M53.3 for non-inflammatory sacroiliac dysfunction.

Impact

Lack of documentation for image guidance can lead to audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all injection procedures are documented with image guidance.

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

Documentation Templates for Sacroiliac Pain

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

Chronic Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Specialty: Pain Management

Required Elements

  • Pain location and radiation
  • Provocation test results
  • Imaging findings
  • Injection response

Example Documentation

Patient reports 8/10 right posterior SIJ pain radiating to groin. Positive FABER, Thigh Thrust, and Distraction tests. MRI shows right SIJ edema. Plan: 27096-RT with post-procedure pain diary.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
SI joint pain improved after injection.
Good Documentation Example
50% pain reduction sustained for ≥3 months post-injection using identical VAS/NRS scale.
Explanation
The good example provides specific pain relief metrics and duration, meeting documentation standards.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more