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ICD-10 Coding for Lumbosacral Stenosis(M48.07)

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

Also known as:

Lumbosacral Spinal StenosisLumbosacral Canal Stenosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Lumbosacral Stenosis

M48.06-M48.07Primary Range

Spinal stenosis of lumbar and lumbosacral regions

This range includes codes for spinal stenosis affecting the lumbar and lumbosacral regions, which are critical for diagnosing and coding lumbosacral stenosis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for lumbosacral stenosis

Essential facts and insights about Lumbosacral Stenosis

The ICD-10 code for lumbosacral stenosis is M48.07, applicable when both lumbar and sacral regions are affected.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for lumbosacral stenosis

Spinal stenosis, lumbosacral region
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of symptoms and imaging confirming stenosis at L4-S1

coding Criteria

  • Use M48.07 for combined lumbar and sacral stenosis

Applicable To

  • Stenosis involving both lumbar and sacral regions

Excludes

  • Spinal stenosis of cervical region (M48.02)
  • Spinal stenosis of thoracic region (M48.04)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging showing narrowing at L4-S1 levels
  • Symptoms in lower back and buttocks

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as lumbar-only stenosis (M48.06)

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies both lumbar and sacral involvement.

Ancillary Codes

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

Myelopathy in diseases classified elsewhere

G99.2
Use when there is documented myelopathy due to stenosis.

Differential Codes

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

Spinal stenosis, lumbar region

M48.06
Use M48.06 when stenosis is limited to the lumbar region without sacral involvement.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Lumbosacral Stenosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M48.07.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on specific documentation requirements., Use templates to ensure comprehensive notes.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims or incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify imaging and clinical documentation to confirm sacral involvement.

Impact

Risk of audits due to insufficient documentation supporting the use of M48.07.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed clinical notes and imaging reports are included in the patient's record.

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

Documentation Templates for Lumbosacral Stenosis

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

Neurology Clinic Visit

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Location of stenosis
  • Canal diameter
  • Presence of neurogenic claudication
  • Neurologic deficits

Example Documentation

Patient presents with severe central stenosis at L4-S1 (7mm canal) with neurogenic claudication.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Low back pain, worse with activity.
Good Documentation Example
Severe central stenosis at L4-S1 (7mm canal) with neurogenic claudication: patient cannot grocery shop without leaning on cart for support.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical details and imaging results supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Lumbosacral Stenosis? Ask your questions below.

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