ICD-10 Coding for Lumbar Bulging Disc(M51.86, M51.87)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Lumbar Bulging Disc. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Lumbar Bulging Disc
M51.8-M51.9Primary Range
Other intervertebral disc disorders
Covers bulging discs without specification of herniation or displacement.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M51.86 | Other intervertebral disc disorders, lumbar region with radiculopathy | Use when a bulging disc in the lumbar region causes radiculopathy. |
|
| M51.87 | Other intervertebral disc disorders, lumbar region without radiculopathy | Use when a bulging disc in the lumbar region does not cause radiculopathy. |
|
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 lumbar bulging disc
Essential facts and insights about Lumbar Bulging Disc
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for lumbar bulging disc
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of radiculopathy confirmed by imaging
Applicable To
- Lumbar bulging disc with neurological deficit
Excludes
- Herniated disc with radiculopathy (M51.16)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- MRI showing disc bulge with nerve root compression
- Documented radiculopathy symptoms
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification as herniated disc
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies radiculopathy and correlates with imaging findings.
M51.87 - Other intervertebral disc disorders, lumbar region without radiculopathy
Use when a bulging disc in the lumbar region does not cause radiculopathy.
Applicable To
- Lumbar bulging disc without neurological deficit
Excludes
- Herniated disc without radiculopathy (M51.17)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- MRI showing disc bulge without nerve compression
- Documented axial pain only
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies absence of radiculopathy and correlates with imaging findings.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Lumbar Bulging Disc to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M51.86.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment plan., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Loss of reimbursement for radiculopathy treatment.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough neurological examination., Document all radiculopathy symptoms.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect reimbursement due to misclassification., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Link pain explicitly to the disc disorder code.
Impact
Inadequate documentation of radiculopathy symptoms can lead to audit issues.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure comprehensive neurological exams are documented.
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 Bulging Disc, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Lumbar Bulging Disc
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Lumbar Bulging Disc. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Lumbar bulging disc with radiculopathy
Specialty: NeurologyRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Physical examination findings
- Imaging results
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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