Facebook tracking pixel
M54.5
ICD-10-CM
Lumbar Back Pain

Find information on lumbar back pain diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10-CM codes M54.5, M54.4, other specified codes), and healthcare resources. Learn about symptoms, causes, and treatment options for lower back pain. Explore differential diagnoses and accurate medical coding guidelines for optimal reimbursement. This resource helps healthcare professionals ensure accurate and comprehensive documentation for lower back pain.

Also known as

Lower Back Pain
Lumbago
Vertebrogenic Pain
+1 more

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Pain in the lower back region, often from muscle strain or disc issues.
  • Clinical Signs : Muscle spasms, limited range of motion, pain radiating to legs or buttocks.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, chiropractic, physical therapy, pain 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.

M51.1

Lumbago due to intervertebral disc displacement

Low back pain caused by a slipped disc.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the back pain traumatic in origin?

  • Yes

    Fracture documented?

  • No

    Radiculopathy/Sciatica?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Lumbar Back Pain
Sciatica
Lumbar Spondylosis

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Lumbar back pain diagnosis: ICD-10 code, onset date, location, laterality
  • Document pain characteristics: type, radiation, exacerbating/relieving factors
  • Physical exam findings: ROM, tenderness, neurological assessment
  • Diagnostic tests (if performed): X-ray, MRI, CT scan results, indications
  • Treatment plan: medications, physical therapy, injections, referrals

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified LBP Code

    Using unspecified codes like M54.9 when more specific diagnoses (e.g., disc herniation, spinal stenosis) are documented leads to lower reimbursement and coding errors.

  • Radiculopathy Coding

    Incorrectly coding radiculopathy (e.g., M54.1) without supporting documentation of nerve root involvement can trigger denials and audits for medical necessity.

  • Chronic vs. Acute LBP

    Failing to distinguish between chronic (G89.29) and acute (M54.5) LBP based on documentation can impact quality reporting and case mix index accuracy.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document precise LBP location, radiation, and character for accurate ICD-10 coding (M54.5).
  • Capture pain onset, duration, and exacerbating/relieving factors for proper CDI and M54.4 coding.
  • Assess functional limitations for complete documentation and support medical necessity of treatment.
  • Query physician for clarity if documentation lacks detail for specific lumbar pain diagnosis codes.
  • Regularly audit LBP documentation for compliance with payer guidelines and optimize reimbursement.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify back pain location: lumbar region
  • Assess symptom duration and onset
  • Red flags: cauda equina, fracture, infection
  • Physical exam: ROM, neurologic assessment
  • Review prior imaging and treatment history

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Lumbar Back Pain Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts payer reimbursements. Focus on ICD-10 M54.5 for optimal results. Proper documentation supports medical necessity.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Accurate lumbar back pain diagnosis coding affects hospital quality reporting and value-based care reimbursement.
  • Hospital Reporting: Accurate coding (M54.5 and related codes) improves data accuracy for internal and public reporting requirements.
  • Coding Accuracy: Specificity in lumbar back pain diagnosis coding (e.g., laterality, chronicity) improves claims processing and reduces denials.

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 lumbar pain location
  • Document pain radiation clearly
  • Specify onset and duration
  • Differentiate acute vs chronic back pain
  • Consider underlying causes

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of lumbar back pain.  Onset of pain is reported as gradual over the past [duration] and is described as [character of pain: e.g., aching, sharp, burning, throbbing].  Pain is localized to the [specific location: e.g., lower back, radiating to buttock,  radiating down the leg] and is exacerbated by [exacerbating factors: e.g., bending, lifting, prolonged sitting] and alleviated by [alleviating factors: e.g., rest, ice, heat].  Patient denies any [associated symptoms: e.g., bowel or bladder incontinence, numbness, tingling, weakness].  Pain severity is reported as [pain scale rating] out of 10.  Past medical history includes [relevant medical history: e.g., previous back injury, arthritis, osteoporosis].  Surgical history includes [relevant surgical history].  Medications include [current medications].  Allergies include [allergies].  Physical examination reveals [objective findings: e.g., tenderness to palpation in the lumbar region, limited range of motion, positive straight leg raise test].  Neurological examination is [neurological exam findings: e.g., intact, diminished reflexes, sensory deficits].  Assessment: Lumbar back pain.  Differential diagnoses include lumbar strain, lumbar spondylosis, herniated disc, spinal stenosis.  Plan includes [treatment plan: e.g., conservative management with NSAIDs, physical therapy,  referral to specialist, imaging studies such as X-ray or MRI of the lumbar spine].  Patient education provided regarding proper body mechanics, activity modification, and pain management strategies.  Follow-up scheduled in [duration] to assess response to treatment.  ICD-10 code: [relevant ICD-10 code, e.g., M54.5].
Lumbar Back Pain - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation