ICD-10 Coding for Lumbosacral Spondylolisthesis(M43.17)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Lumbosacral Spondylolisthesis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Lumbosacral Spondylolisthesis
M43.1-M43.19Primary Range
Spondylolisthesis
This range includes codes for spondylolisthesis, specifying different spinal regions.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for lumbosacral spondylolisthesis
Essential facts and insights about Lumbosacral Spondylolisthesis
Primary ICD-10-CM Code for lumbosacral spondylolisthesis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed slippage at L5-S1 on imaging
documentation Criteria
- Meyerding grade and imaging report included
Applicable To
- L5-S1 vertebral slippage
Excludes
- Spondylolysis without slippage
Clinical Validation Requirements
- MRI or CT confirmation of slippage
- Meyerding grading
- Step-off sign on physical exam
Code-Specific Risks
- Confusion with spondylolysis
- Incorrect level documentation
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the lumbosacral region and includes imaging confirmation.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Lumbosacral Spondylolisthesis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M43.17.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Always include imaging reports, Specify the exact spinal level in documentation
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify the spinal level, using M43.17 for L5-S1.
Impact
Auditors may target claims with unspecified spinal levels.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all documentation includes detailed imaging and specific spinal level.
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 Lumbosacral Spondylolisthesis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Lumbosacral Spondylolisthesis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Lumbosacral Spondylolisthesis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Neurosurgery H&P
Specialty: NeurosurgeryRequired Elements
- History of neurogenic claudication
- Physical exam findings
- Imaging results
- Assessment and plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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