ICD-10 Coding for Lumbar Disc Displacement(M51.26, M51.27)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Lumbar Disc Displacement. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Lumbar Disc Displacement
M51.2-M51.3Primary Range
Other intervertebral disc displacement and degeneration
This range covers lumbar and lumbosacral disc displacements and degenerations, which are common in clinical practice.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M51.26 | Other intervertebral disc displacement, lumbar region | Use when imaging confirms lumbar disc displacement at L1-L4 with or without radiculopathy. |
|
| M51.27 | Other intervertebral disc displacement, lumbosacral region | Use when imaging confirms lumbosacral disc displacement at L5-S1 with or without 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 disc displacement
Essential facts and insights about Lumbar Disc Displacement
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for lumbar disc displacement
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of radicular symptoms and imaging confirmation
Applicable To
- L1-L4 disc displacement
Excludes
- Degeneration without displacement
Clinical Validation Requirements
- MRI showing disc displacement at L1-L4
- Clinical symptoms of radiculopathy
Code-Specific Risks
- Confusing with degeneration codes without imaging confirmation
Coding Notes
- Ensure imaging supports the diagnosis of displacement.
M51.27 - Other intervertebral disc displacement, lumbosacral region
Use when imaging confirms lumbosacral disc displacement at L5-S1 with or without radiculopathy.
Applicable To
- L5-S1 disc displacement
Excludes
- Degeneration without displacement
Clinical Validation Requirements
- MRI showing disc displacement at L5-S1
- Clinical symptoms of radiculopathy
Coding Notes
Ensure imaging supports the diagnosis of displacement.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Radiculopathy, lumbar region
M54.16Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Lumbar Disc Displacement to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M51.26.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Incorrect billing and reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify the disc level in documentation., Use templates to ensure completeness.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure specific displacement codes (M51.26 or M51.27) are used when imaging confirms displacement.
Impact
Using M54.50 when specific displacement is documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure imaging and clinical findings are documented to support specific codes.
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 Disc Displacement, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Lumbar Disc Displacement
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Lumbar Disc Displacement. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Lumbar Disc Displacement with Radiculopathy
Specialty: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Physical examination
- Imaging results
- Diagnosis
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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