Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Tailbone Pain(M53.3, S33.2XXA)

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

Also known as:

CoccydyniaSacrococcygeal Disordercoccygeal painsacrococcygeal pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Tailbone Pain

M53-M54Primary Range

Other dorsopathies

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

Fracture and dislocation of lumbar spine and pelvis

This range includes codes for traumatic injuries to the coccyx, such as fractures and dislocations.

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 for non-traumatic coccydynia, chronic pain, idiopathic or degenerative conditions.
  • X-ray/MRI shows no fracture/dislocation
  • Pain >3 months, no trauma
S33.2XXADislocation of coccyxUse for acute traumatic dislocation of the coccyx.
  • CT/MRI confirms dislocation

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 tailbone pain

Essential facts and insights about Tailbone Pain

The ICD-10 code for tailbone pain, specifically coccydynia, is M53.3. For traumatic dislocation, use S33.2XXA.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for tailbone pain

Sacrococcygeal disorders, not elsewhere classified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Chronic pain localized to coccyx without recent trauma.

Applicable To

  • Coccydynia
  • Chronic tailbone pain

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray/MRI shows no fracture/dislocation
  • Pain >3 months, no trauma

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as low back pain (M54.5)

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies sacrococcygeal pain without lumbar involvement.

Ancillary Codes

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

Lumbosacral radiculopathy

M54.16
Use if nerve root involvement is confirmed via imaging/EMG.

Differential Codes

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

Low back pain

M54.5
Use if pain radiates to lumbar region and sacrococcygeal origin is unconfirmed.

Fracture of coccyx

S32.2XXA
Use if imaging confirms fracture rather than dislocation.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Tailbone 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: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates for documentation., Ensure all relevant clinical details are recorded.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies coccygeal pain without lumbar involvement.

Impact

Incorrect code selection due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular training for clinicians on documentation requirements.

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

Documentation Templates for Tailbone Pain

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

Chronic Tailbone Pain

Specialty: Physical Therapy

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical exam findings
  • Imaging results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Subjective: 45F with 1-year history of coccydynia, worse with prolonged sitting. No trauma. Objective: Tenderness on coccyx palpation, restricted sacrococcygeal mobility. Imaging: MRI negative for fracture. Assessment: Chronic sacrococcygeal dysfunction. Plan: Pelvic floor PT, ergonomic seating.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Coccyx pain for months.
Good Documentation Example
Chronic coccydynia x6 months, worse with prolonged sitting. MRI negative for fracture. Tenderness on rectal palpation, no radiculopathy.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the duration, exacerbating factors, and negative imaging findings, which are essential for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Tailbone 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