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ICD-10 Coding for Vertebrogenic Low Back Pain(M54.51)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Vertebrogenic Low Back Pain. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Vertebral Endplate PainModic Changes Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Vertebrogenic Low Back Pain

M54.5-M54.59Primary Range

Low back pain codes

This range includes codes for various types of low back pain, with M54.51 specifically for vertebrogenic origin.

Other intervertebral disc disorders

Relevant for differential diagnosis when disc pathology is suspected.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for vertebrogenic low back pain

Essential facts and insights about Vertebrogenic Low Back Pain

The ICD-10 code for vertebrogenic low back pain is M54.51, used when pain originates from vertebral endplates with supporting imaging.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for vertebrogenic low back pain

Vertebrogenic low back pain
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of Modic changes on MRI

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of vertebrogenic origin

Applicable To

  • Pain originating from vertebral endplates

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI showing Modic Type 1 or 2 changes
  • Midline lumbar pain aggravated by sitting or bending

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using for discogenic or radicular pain

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies vertebral endplate origin and includes MRI findings.

Ancillary Codes

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

Spinal stenosis, lumbar region

M48.06
Use when spinal stenosis coexists with vertebrogenic pain.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified low back pain

M54.50
Use when the specific origin of pain is not documented.

Other low back pain

M54.59
Use for non-vertebrogenic pain such as muscular strain.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Vertebrogenic Low Back Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M54.51.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis risk, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Verify MRI findings before coding, Ensure documentation is complete

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies vertebrogenic origin with imaging support.

Impact

Risk of audits due to insufficient documentation of vertebrogenic origin.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all clinical notes include MRI findings and specify vertebral origin.

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 Vertebrogenic Low Back Pain, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Vertebrogenic Low Back Pain

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Vertebrogenic Low Back Pain. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Chronic vertebrogenic low back pain management

Specialty: Pain Management

Required Elements

  • Patient history of midline lumbar pain
  • MRI findings of Modic changes
  • Exclusion of radicular symptoms

Example Documentation

Patient reports chronic midline low back pain, worsened by sitting. MRI shows Modic Type 1 changes at L4-L5. No radicular symptoms present.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has chronic back pain.
Good Documentation Example
Chronic midline LBP at L4-L5 with Modic Type 1 changes on MRI, aggravated by prolonged sitting.
Explanation
The good example specifies the vertebrogenic origin and includes imaging findings.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Vertebrogenic Low Back Pain? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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