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M54.5
ICD-10-CM
Lower Back Pain

Find information on lower back pain diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10, M54.5), and healthcare resources. Learn about lumbago, lumbar pain, backache, and sciatica related to lower back pain. Explore treatment options, pain management strategies, and diagnostic criteria for accurate lower back pain assessment.

Also known as

Lumbago
Lumbar Pain
Backache

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Pain in the lumbar region, ranging from mild to severe.
  • Clinical Signs : Muscle spasms, stiffness, limited range of motion, radiating pain.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, physical therapy, chiropractic, pain management clinics.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC M54.5 Coding
M54.5

Low back pain

Pain in the lower back region.

M54.4

Lumbago with sciatica

Lower back pain radiating down the leg.

S39.012-

Strain of muscle, fascia and tendon of lower back

Injury to lower back muscles, fascia, and tendons.

M51.1

Lumbago due to intervertebral disc displacement

Lower back pain due to a slipped disc.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the lower back pain related to trauma?

  • Yes

    Is there a fracture?

  • No

    Radiculopathy/Sciatica?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Lower back pain
Lumbar spondylosis
Lumbar radiculopathy

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Lower back pain diagnosis code
  • Location of LBP: lumbar, sacral, etc.
  • LBP onset: acute, chronic, subacute
  • Symptoms: radiating pain, numbness, etc.
  • Pain scale assessment and impact on ADLs

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Nonspecific Coding

    Using only M54.5 (low back pain) without specifying laterality, underlying cause, or impact on function risks underpayment and inaccurate data.

  • Sciatica Miscoding

    Confusing sciatica (M54.1) with lumbago (M54.5) or other related back pain diagnoses can lead to coding errors and claim denials.

  • Documentation Deficiency

    Lack of specific documentation regarding the cause, location, and severity of lower back pain hinders accurate code assignment and CDI efforts.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10 M54.5, precise location for LBP diagnosis coding.
  • Document pain onset, type, radiation, exacerbating/relieving factors.
  • Query physician for clarity if LBP documentation is vague or incomplete.
  • Regularly audit LBP documentation for CDI and compliance with payer guidelines.
  • HCC coding: Consider comorbid conditions impacting LBP, e.g., osteoporosis.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify back pain location, duration, and character (ICD-10 M54.5)
  • Assess red flags: cauda equina, fracture, infection (patient safety)
  • Physical exam: ROM, neurological assessment, palpation (M54.4)
  • Review prior imaging and treatments (clinical documentation)
  • Consider diagnostic studies if indicated (MRI, X-ray)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Lower Back Pain Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts payer reimbursements. Focus on M54.5 ICD-10 code for optimal results.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Accurate lower back pain diagnosis coding improves hospital quality reporting data. Track PQRS and HEDIS measures.
  • Denial Management: Proper documentation and coding (M54.x series) reduce claim denials for lower back pain diagnoses.
  • Cost Reduction: Efficient lower back pain coding and billing processes minimize administrative costs and improve revenue cycle.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code specific LBP diagnosis
  • Document pain duration/radiation
  • Laterality: Left, Right, Bilateral
  • Consider M54.5 for facet joint pain
  • Use MCCs for complicating diagnoses

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of lower back pain (LBP).  Onset of pain is reported as [Onset - e.g., gradual, acute, traumatic].  Pain quality is described as [Pain Quality - e.g., sharp, dull, aching, burning, radiating].  Pain intensity is reported as [Pain Scale Rating - e.g.,  4/10 on a numerical rating scale].  The location of the pain is specified as [Location - e.g., lumbar spine, lumbosacral region, radiating to buttock/leg].  Aggravating factors include [Aggravating Factors - e.g., bending, lifting, prolonged sitting, standing].  Alleviating factors include [Alleviating Factors - e.g., rest, ice, heat, over-the-counter pain medication].  Patient denies [Pertinent Negatives - e.g., bowel or bladder incontinence, saddle anesthesia].  Physical examination reveals [Objective Findings - e.g., tenderness to palpation in the lumbar paraspinal muscles, limited range of motion in lumbar flexion and extension, positive straight leg raise test on the [Right/Left/Bilateral] side].  Neurological examination of the lower extremities is [Neurological Exam Findings - e.g., intact, reveals diminished reflexes in [Reflex], decreased sensation in [Dermatome]].  Differential diagnoses include lumbar strain, lumbar sprain, herniated disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease.  Assessment: Lower back pain.  Plan:  Conservative management is initiated, including [Treatment Plan - e.g., rest, ice, heat therapy, NSAIDs, physical therapy referral].  Patient education provided regarding proper body mechanics, lifting techniques, and pain management strategies.  Follow-up scheduled in [Duration - e.g., one week, two weeks] to assess response to treatment.  Further investigations may include [Diagnostic Studies if indicated - e.g., lumbar X-ray, MRI] if symptoms persist or worsen.  ICD-10 code: [ICD-10 Code - e.g., M54.5].