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M51.26
ICD-10-CM
Lumbar Disc Displacement

Find information on lumbar disc displacement, including clinical documentation, medical coding, healthcare guidelines, and ICD-10 codes for herniated lumbar disc, slipped disc, and bulging disc. Learn about diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for lumbar disc displacement with resources for physicians, healthcare providers, and medical coders. Explore details on lumbar disc disorders, spinal conditions, and back pain related to displaced lumbar discs.

Also known as

Herniated Disc
Slipped Disc
Prolapsed Disc
+2 more

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : A spinal disc in the lower back bulges or ruptures, pressing on nerves.
  • Clinical Signs : Low back pain, leg pain (sciatica), numbness, tingling, muscle weakness.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, spine clinics, pain management, physical therapy.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

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

Other intervertebral disc displacement

Covers displacement of intervertebral discs, excluding cervical.

M51.1-

Lumbar and other intervertebral disc

Includes displacement/disorders of lumbar/other intervertebral discs.

M50-

Cervical disc disorders

Relates to cervical disc disorders, which can be relevant anatomically.

M48.06

Spinal stenosis lumbar region

Often co-occurs with or is related to disc displacement.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the disc displacement with myelopathy?

  • Yes

    Is there nerve root compression?

  • No

    Is there nerve root compression?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Lumbar Disc Displacement
Lumbar Disc Herniation
Lumbar Disc Protrusion

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Lumbar disc displacement diagnosis code
  • Laterality (right, left, or central)
  • Specific disc level (e.g., L4-L5)
  • Confirmation method (e.g., MRI, CT)
  • Symptoms and impact on function

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Laterality

    Coding lumbar disc displacement without specifying right, left, or bilateral can lead to claim denials and inaccurate data reporting. Impacts DRG assignment.

  • Missing Displacement Level

    Failing to document the specific lumbar vertebral level (e.g., L4-L5) affected by the disc displacement compromises coding specificity and reimbursement.

  • Confusing Protrusion/Extrusion

    Incorrectly coding disc protrusion as extrusion or vice-versa leads to inaccurate severity reflection, impacting clinical documentation integrity and coding audits.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10 M51.26, precise CDI for lumbar disc displacement
  • Focus documentation on nerve root compression, pain radiation
  • Physical therapy, core strengthening for stability, compliance
  • Pain management: NSAIDs, PT, consider epidural injections, monitor
  • Image with MRI, document disc level, type of displacement

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify low back pain onset and location documentation (ICD-10 M51.1)
  • Confirm radicular leg pain, numbness, or weakness symptoms
  • Check physical exam for positive straight leg raise test
  • Review imaging results MRI or CT for disc herniation confirmation

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Lumbar Disc Displacement Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts payer contracts and medical billing revenue cycle.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Accurate ICD-10 diagnosis coding (M51.2X) affects hospital value-based care reporting.
  • Coding Accuracy Impact: Correctly coding laterality, severity, and causation improves hospital reimbursement rates.
  • Hospital Reporting Impact: Precise documentation and coding support quality measure performance for spine conditions.

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 M51.1x for lumbar disc displacement
  • Specify laterality (right/left)
  • Document radiculopathy if present
  • Add detail for prolapse/extrusion
  • Consider M51.2x if sequestration

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with lumbar disc displacement, also known as lumbar disc herniation, prolapsed disc, or slipped disc.  Onset of low back pain is described as [onset description, e.g., gradual, sudden, following lifting incident].  Pain quality is noted as [pain quality description, e.g., sharp, dull, burning, aching] and radiates to [radiation location, e.g., buttocks, right leg, left leg, bilateral lower extremities] in a pattern suggestive of radiculopathy.  Patient reports [exacerbating factors, e.g., bending, lifting, sitting, standing] and [alleviating factors, e.g., lying down, ice, heat, medication].  Neurological examination reveals [neurological findings, e.g., diminished patellar reflex, positive straight leg raise test on the left, decreased sensation in the L5 dermatome].  The patient exhibits [range of motion limitations, e.g., limited lumbar flexion, extension, lateral bending].  Differential diagnoses considered include lumbar strain, lumbar spondylosis, spinal stenosis, and piriformis syndrome.  Assessment points towards lumbar disc displacement at [spinal level, e.g., L4-L5, L5-S1] as the primary diagnosis.  Imaging studies, including [imaging modality, e.g., MRI of the lumbar spine], will be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of disc herniation.  Initial treatment plan includes [treatment modalities, e.g., conservative management with NSAIDs, physical therapy, and activity modification].  If symptoms persist or worsen, further interventions such as epidural steroid injections or surgical consultation for discectomy may be considered.  Patient education provided on proper body mechanics, pain management strategies, and the importance of adherence to the prescribed treatment plan.  Follow-up appointment scheduled in [duration, e.g., two weeks] to reassess symptoms and adjust treatment as needed.
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