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M51.9
ICD-10-CM
Herniated Disc

Find information on herniated disc diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10-CM, M51), symptoms, treatment, and prognosis. Learn about healthcare best practices for herniated nucleus pulposus, slipped disc, radiculopathy, and sciatica related to disc herniation. This resource provides details for medical professionals on documenting, coding, and managing herniated disc cases. Explore resources for accurate diagnosis and treatment of lumbar, cervical, and thoracic herniated discs.

Also known as

Slipped Disc
Ruptured Disc
Disc Prolapse

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC M51.9 Coding
M50-M54

Dorsalgia

Pain in the back, including herniated discs.

M45-M49

Spondylopathies

Degenerative disorders of the spine, sometimes leading to herniation.

G54-G59

Nerve root and plexus disorders

Compression of nerves, often due to herniated discs.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the herniated disc traumatic?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Herniated Disc
Spinal Stenosis
Radiculopathy

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Herniated disc diagnosis code, laterality
  • Location of herniated disc, ICD-10
  • Symptoms, exam findings, radiculopathy
  • Imaging confirmation, MRI or CT scan
  • Treatment plan, conservative or surgical

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Location

    Coding a herniated disc without specifying the exact spinal location (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, etc.) leads to inaccurate coding and claims.

  • Missing Laterality

    Failing to document and code the laterality (right, left, or bilateral) of the herniated disc can cause coding errors and affect reimbursement.

  • Unconfirmed Diagnosis

    Coding a herniated disc based on symptoms alone without confirmatory imaging (MRI, CT) can lead to denials and compliance issues.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10 coding (M51.-) for herniated disc location.
  • Thorough documentation of pain, numbness, and muscle weakness.
  • Specific CDI queries for nerve root involvement, laterality, and acuity.
  • Regular audits for HCC coding compliance (e.g., M51.26).
  • Timely follow-up documentation for treatment response and outcomes.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify low back pain or neck pain documentation
  • Confirm radicular pain or neurological deficit
  • Check imaging results MRI or CT scan confirmation
  • Review physical exam findings sensorymotor reflex changes

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Herniated Disc: reimbursement impacted by accurate coding of location, severity, and laterality.
  • Coding accuracy crucial for proper DRG assignment impacting hospital case mix index and payment.
  • Quality metrics: Pain management, functional improvement, and return-to-work status influence value-based care.
  • Physician documentation specificity key for justifying medical necessity and optimizing reimbursement levels.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code specific disc level
  • Document radiculopathy if present
  • Laterality is key for ICD-10
  • 722.10 for unspecified lumbar disc
  • 722.00 for unspecified cervical disc

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with herniated disc symptoms, including low back pain, radiating pain, sciatica, and radiculopathy.  Onset of pain was reported as [Date of Onset] and is described as [Character of pain: sharp, dull, burning, aching, etc.].  Pain is exacerbated by [Exacerbating factors: bending, lifting, sitting, standing, etc.] and alleviated by [Alleviating factors: rest, ice, heat, medication, etc.].  Patient reports pain radiating to the [Location of radiating pain: buttock, thigh, leg, foot, etc.] with associated numbness, tingling, and or muscle weakness.  Physical examination reveals [Specific findings: positive straight leg raise test, limited range of motion, muscle spasms, tenderness to palpation, etc.].  Neurological examination demonstrates [Neurological findings: diminished reflexes, sensory deficits, motor weakness, etc.].  Differential diagnosis includes lumbar strain, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, and facet joint syndrome.  Impression is herniated lumbar disc at [Level of herniation: L4-L5, L5-S1, etc.] based on clinical presentation and physical examination findings.  Imaging studies, including MRI or CT scan, are recommended to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of disc herniation.  Treatment plan includes conservative management with pain medication, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and activity modification.  Patient education provided regarding proper body mechanics, posture, and ergonomic considerations.  Referral to pain management or spine specialist will be considered if symptoms do not improve with conservative treatment. Follow-up scheduled in [Duration of follow-up: two weeks, one month, etc.] to assess response to treatment.