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
Low back pain
Pain in the lower back region.
Lumbago with sciatica
Lower back pain radiating down the leg.
Lumbago due to intervertebral disc displacement
Low back pain caused by a slipped disc.
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?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Lumbar Back Pain |
Sciatica |
Lumbar Spondylosis |
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.
Incorrectly coding radiculopathy (e.g., M54.1) without supporting documentation of nerve root involvement can trigger denials and audits for medical necessity.
Failing to distinguish between chronic (G89.29) and acute (M54.5) LBP based on documentation can impact quality reporting and case mix index accuracy.
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].