ICD-10 Coding for Lumbosacral Spondylosis(M47.817, M47.27)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Lumbosacral Spondylosis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Lumbosacral Spondylosis
M47.2-M47.9Primary Range
Spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy
This range includes codes for spondylosis affecting the lumbosacral region without neurological complications.
Spondylosis with myelopathy
This range is used when spondylosis results in myelopathy, indicating spinal cord involvement.
Radiculopathy
This range is used for coding radiculopathy, which may be associated with spondylosis.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M47.817 | Spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy, lumbosacral region | Use when imaging confirms degenerative changes without nerve involvement. |
|
| M47.27 | Spondylosis with radiculopathy, lumbosacral region | Use when radiculopathy is directly caused by spondylosis. |
|
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 lumbosacral spondylosis
Essential facts and insights about Lumbosacral Spondylosis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for lumbosacral spondylosis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Imaging shows degenerative changes without nerve compression.
Applicable To
- Degenerative changes in the lumbosacral spine without nerve compression
Excludes
- Spondylosis with radiculopathy (M47.27)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging showing degenerative changes without nerve compression
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding with radiculopathy codes
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies absence of nerve involvement.
M47.27 - Spondylosis with radiculopathy, lumbosacral region
Use when radiculopathy is directly caused by spondylosis.
Applicable To
- Spondylosis causing nerve root compression
Excludes
- Spondylosis without radiculopathy (M47.817)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging and clinical findings confirming nerve root compression
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation links radiculopathy to spondylosis.
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 Lumbosacral Spondylosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M47.817.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity.
Mitigation Strategy
Always include imaging findings in the patient's record., Use templates to ensure all necessary details are captured.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure radiculopathy is not caused by spondylosis before coding separately.
Impact
Inadequate documentation linking radiculopathy to spondylosis.
Mitigation Strategy
Use detailed templates and confirm findings with imaging.
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 Spondylosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Lumbosacral Spondylosis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Lumbosacral Spondylosis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic low back pain with radiculopathy
Specialty: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- History of present illness
- Physical examination findings
- Imaging results
- Diagnosis
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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