Find information on L5 compression fracture diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding, and healthcare guidance. Learn about L5 fracture symptoms, treatment options, ICD-10 codes for compression fracture, and vertebral compression fracture documentation best practices. This resource provides relevant information for physicians, coders, and other healthcare professionals seeking accurate and comprehensive details on L5 compression fractures.
Also known as
Fracture of lumbar vertebra
Fractures of the lumbar spine, including compression fractures.
Collapsed vertebra
Vertebral collapse or compression fracture due to osteoporosis or other causes.
Osteoporosis with current pathological fracture
Osteoporosis with a current fracture, which may include vertebral compression fractures.
Fracture of thoracic vertebra
Fractures of the thoracic spine, while less likely, can be relevant in some L5 presentations.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Traumatic fracture?
Yes
Current injury?
No
Pathological fracture?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
L5 Compression Fracture |
Lumbar Burst Fracture |
Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture |
Coding requires specifying traumatic vs. pathological fracture. Unspecified coding leads to inaccurate DRG assignment and potential denials. Keywords: ICD-10, M48.4, M80, Coding Compliance
Insufficient documentation linking L5 fracture to trauma or underlying condition like osteoporosis. Impacts risk adjustment and reimbursement. Keywords: CDI, Query, Osteoporosis, Medical Necessity
Overlooking associated conditions like spinal cord injury or nerve root compression impacts severity score and reimbursement. Keywords: MCC, CC, Complication, Healthcare Audit
Patient presents with complaints of acute low back pain, potentially indicative of an L5 compression fracture. Onset of pain followed [Mechanism of injury, e.g., a fall, lifting heavy object, or spontaneous onset]. Pain is localized to the lumbar spine with radiation described as [Description of radiation, e.g., radiating to buttocks, thighs, or not radiating]. Patient reports [Pain quality descriptors, e.g., sharp, stabbing, aching, or burning] pain exacerbated by [Exacerbating factors, e.g., movement, coughing, sneezing, or standing] and alleviated by [Alleviating factors, e.g., rest, ice, heat, or specific positions]. Physical examination reveals [Physical exam findings, e.g., point tenderness over the L5 spinous process, limited range of motion in the lumbar spine, muscle spasms, or neurological deficits]. Neurological examination demonstrates [Neurological findings, e.g., intact reflexes, normal sensation, or presence of sensory or motor deficits]. Differential diagnosis includes lumbar strain, herniated disc, spinal stenosis, and osteoporosis-related vertebral compression fracture. Imaging studies including [Imaging modalities, e.g., lumbar X-ray, CT scan, or MRI] were ordered to confirm the diagnosis of L5 compression fracture and assess the extent of the injury. Preliminary assessment suggests a [Fracture type, e.g., wedge, burst, or chance fracture] at the L5 vertebra. Treatment plan includes [Treatment options, e.g., pain management with analgesics and NSAIDs, bracing, physical therapy, kyphoplasty, vertebroplasty, or conservative management]. Patient education provided regarding proper body mechanics, activity modification, and fall prevention. Follow-up appointment scheduled to monitor healing progress and adjust treatment plan as needed. ICD-10 code [Appropriate ICD-10 code, e.g., S32.009A, S32.009D, or S32.009K] is considered pending imaging confirmation.