Facebook tracking pixel
M51.26
ICD-10-CM
Lumbar Bulging Disc

Find information on lumbar bulging disc diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10-CM M51.26), healthcare guidelines, and treatment options. Learn about symptoms, causes, and differential diagnosis of lumbar disc bulge. Explore resources for physicians, healthcare professionals, and patients seeking information on lumbar bulging disc management. Understand the key aspects of accurate clinical documentation for a lumbar herniated disc, including specific terminology and best practices for coding lumbar disc disorders.

Also known as

Bulging Disc in Lower Back
Lumbar Disc Protrusion

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Outward bulge in a lower back disc cushion, often pressing on nerves.
  • Clinical Signs : Lower back pain, leg pain (sciatica), numbness, tingling, muscle weakness.
  • Common Settings : Outpatient clinics, physical therapy, pain management, spine surgery.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC M51.26 Coding
M51.2-

Other intervertebral disc displacement

Covers lumbar disc displacement/bulging at specific levels.

M51.3-

Other specified intervertebral disc degeneration

Includes degenerative changes in lumbar discs without displacement.

M54.4-

Lumbago with sciatica

May be associated with lumbar disc bulging causing nerve root compression.

M54.5-

Low back pain

A broader category that may include pain from a bulging lumbar disc.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is there myelopathy or radiculopathy?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Lumbar Bulging Disc
Lumbar Herniated Disc
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Lumbar bulging disc diagnosis: laterality, specific level
  • Symptom onset, duration, character, exacerbating/relieving factors
  • Neurological exam: sensory, motor, reflex findings
  • Impact on ADLs: Pain interference with daily activities
  • Imaging confirmation: MRI/CT findings correlation

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Specificity of Lumbar Disc Code

    Coding lumbar bulging disc lacks specificity without laterality (right/left) and level documentation impacting reimbursement and data accuracy. Keywords: ICD-10 coding, lumbar disc, medical coding audit, healthcare compliance.

  • Clinical Validation of Bulging Disc

    Insufficient clinical evidence to support the diagnosis of lumbar bulging disc can lead to coding errors and denials. Keywords: CDI, lumbar disc, physician query, medical record documentation, healthcare compliance.

  • Confusing Bulge vs. Herniation

    Miscoding bulging disc as herniation or protrusion can lead to overcoding or undercoding, impacting reimbursement. Keywords: ICD-10 specificity, lumbar herniated disc, coding guidelines, medical coding audit.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10 M51.26, precise CDI vital for lumbar disc bulge claims.
  • Proper documentation supports medical necessity, avoids denials.
  • Focus on symptom specifics for accurate coding (e.g., pain radiation).
  • Timely follow-up, document treatment response for compliance.
  • Physical therapy, pain management optimize outcomes, justify coding.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify low back pain location and radiation
  • Confirm limited ROM and positive SLR test
  • Check for neurological deficits numbnessweakness
  • Review MRI or CT imaging for disc bulge confirmation
  • Correlate symptoms with imaging findings and exam

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Lumbar Bulging Disc reimbursement hinges on accurate coding (M51.2X, M51.3X) and documentation supporting medical necessity for procedures like MRI (72148) and physical therapy (97110).
  • Coding errors (incorrect laterality, unspecified level) impact lumbar bulging disc reimbursement rates, causing denials and reduced hospital revenue.
  • Quality metrics for lumbar bulging disc involve pain reduction, functional improvement, and patient satisfaction, impacting value-based care reimbursement.
  • Timely and accurate reporting of lumbar bulging disc diagnoses improves data quality for population health management and resource allocation.

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 M51.26 for lumbar disc bulge
  • Document nerve root impact
  • Specify laterality (right/left)
  • Add detail for accurate reimbursement
  • Query physician if unclear

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of low back pain, consistent with lumbar bulging disc symptoms.  Onset of pain was gradual and reported as [duration of pain].  Patient describes the pain as [character of pain; e.g., dull, aching, sharp, radiating] and localized to the [specific location; e.g., lower lumbar region, radiating to buttock or leg].  Pain is aggravated by [aggravating factors; e.g., bending, lifting, sitting for extended periods] and alleviated by [alleviating factors; e.g., rest, ice, heat].  Associated symptoms include [associated symptoms; e.g., muscle spasms, numbness, tingling, weakness in lower extremities].  Physical examination reveals [objective findings; e.g., limited lumbar range of motion, tenderness to palpation, positive straight leg raise test].  Neurological examination demonstrates [neurological findings; e.g., intact reflexes, diminished sensation, muscle weakness].  Differential diagnosis includes lumbar strain, lumbar spondylosis, herniated disc, and spinal stenosis.  Assessment:  Lumbar bulging disc at [specific disc level; e.g., L4-L5, L5-S1] is suspected.  Plan includes [treatment plan; e.g., conservative management with NSAIDs, physical therapy, activity modification; imaging studies such as MRI of the lumbar spine to confirm diagnosis; referral to specialist if indicated].  Patient education provided regarding proper body mechanics, pain management strategies, and expected prognosis.  Follow-up scheduled in [duration; e.g., two weeks] to assess response to treatment.