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ICD-10 Coding for Lumbar Laminectomy(M48.06)

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

Also known as:

Spinal Decompression SurgeryLumbar Decompression

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Lumbar Laminectomy

M48.06-M48.07Primary Range

Spinal stenosis, lumbar region

Primary range for lumbar laminectomy due to spinal stenosis.

Intervertebral disc disorders with radiculopathy, lumbar region

Relevant for cases involving disc disorders leading to laminectomy.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for lumbar laminectomy

Essential facts and insights about Lumbar Laminectomy

The ICD-10 code for lumbar laminectomy due to spinal stenosis is M48.06.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for lumbar laminectomy

Spinal stenosis, lumbar region
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of neurogenic claudication symptoms

documentation Criteria

  • Imaging confirming spinal stenosis

Applicable To

  • Lumbar spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication

Excludes

  • Cervical spinal stenosis (M48.02)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI/CT showing ≥50% canal narrowing
  • Symptoms of neurogenic claudication

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect documentation of vertebral levels

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies vertebral levels and confirms stenosis via imaging.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other chronic pain

G89.29
Use to document chronic pain associated with lumbar stenosis.

Differential Codes

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

Intervertebral disc disorders with radiculopathy, lumbar region

M51.16
Use when radiculopathy is the primary symptom due to disc disorders.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Lumbar Laminectomy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M48.06.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incomplete clinical records., Regulatory: May result in compliance issues., Financial: Can affect reimbursement accuracy.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates that prompt for specific levels.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to underpayment., Compliance: May result in audit discrepancies., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Accurately document each segment involved and use appropriate codes.

Impact

Incorrectly bundling decompression and fusion codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure separate documentation for procedures at different levels.

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

Documentation Templates for Lumbar Laminectomy

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

Lumbar laminectomy for spinal stenosis

Specialty: Neurosurgery

Required Elements

  • Indication for surgery
  • Specific vertebral levels
  • Imaging findings
  • Surgical approach

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Laminectomy done for stenosis.
Good Documentation Example
L4-L5 laminectomy with bilateral L5 nerve root decompression; severe stenosis confirmed intraoperatively.
Explanation
The good example specifies the vertebral levels and confirms the procedure with imaging.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Lumbar Laminectomy? Ask your questions below.

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