Find information on Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis diagnosis, including ICD-10 codes, clinical documentation requirements, and healthcare coding guidelines. Learn about symptoms, treatment options, and medical billing best practices for Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis. This resource provides guidance for accurate and efficient medical coding and documentation for healthcare professionals dealing with Lumbar Foraminal Narrowing and nerve compression in the lower back.
Also known as
Spinal stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal.
Low back pain
Pain in the lower region of the back.
Sciatica
Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve.
Other nervous system disorders
Catch-all for other specified nervous system issues.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is stenosis at single vertebral level?
Yes
Right or Left side affected?
No
Multiple levels, same side?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis |
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis |
Lumbar Disc Herniation |
Using unspecified codes (e.g., M48.0) when more specific foraminal stenosis codes (e.g., M48.06, M48.07) are supported by documentation.
Lack of clear documentation of side (right, left, bilateral) for lumbar foraminal stenosis impacting accurate code assignment (e.g., M48.061, M48.062).
Incorrectly coding congenital or other types of stenosis as acquired lumbar foraminal stenosis, leading to inaccurate reporting and reimbursement.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with lumbar foraminal stenosis. Symptoms include radiating pain, numbness, tingling, andor weakness in the lower back, buttock, hip, leg, andor foot. The patient reports the pain may be described as sharp, burning, or electric-like and is often exacerbated by activities that extend or rotate the spine such as standing, walking, or twisting. On physical examination, there may be limited range of motion in the lumbar spine, tenderness to palpation over the affected nerve root, and positive straight leg raise test or other neurological deficits consistent with nerve root compression. Neurogenic claudication, radiculopathy, and lumbar spine pain are key features discussed. Differential diagnoses considered include lumbar disc herniation, lumbar spinal stenosis, facet joint arthritis, and piriformis syndrome. Imaging studies such as MRI or CT scan of the lumbar spine may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and assess the degree of foraminal narrowing. Initial treatment plan includes conservative management with physical therapy focusing on exercises to improve posture, core strength, and flexibility, pain management with NSAIDs or other analgesics, and activity modification. Further evaluation by a spine specialist may be warranted if symptoms do not improve with conservative treatment. Surgical options such as lumbar foraminotomy or laminectomy may be considered in cases of severe nerve compression or persistent disabling pain. Patient education regarding proper body mechanics and posture is essential for long-term symptom management. The patient's prognosis depends on the severity of the stenosis and the individual's response to treatment. Follow-up appointment scheduled to assess treatment efficacy and adjust the plan as needed.