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M48.061
ICD-10-CM
Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis

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

Neural Foraminal Stenosis
Spinal Stenosis of Lumbar Region
neural foraminal stenosis the lumbar spine
+1 more

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Narrowing of the openings (foramina) where nerves exit the lumbar spine.
  • Clinical Signs : Low back pain, radiating leg pain (sciatica), numbness, tingling, weakness.
  • Common Settings : Outpatient clinics, spine centers, pain management centers.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC M48.061 Coding
M48.0

Spinal stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal.

M54.4

Low back pain

Pain in the lower region of the back.

M54.5

Sciatica

Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve.

G99.2

Other nervous system disorders

Catch-all for other specified nervous system issues.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Lumbar Disc Herniation

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Lumbar foraminal stenosis diagnosis: ICD-10-CM code M48.06
  • Document laterality: right, left, or bilateral
  • Specific spinal level(s) affected (e.g., L4-L5)
  • Symptoms: radiating pain, numbness, weakness
  • Neurological exam findings correlating with stenosis

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Code Specificity

    Using unspecified codes (e.g., M48.0) when more specific foraminal stenosis codes (e.g., M48.06, M48.07) are supported by documentation.

  • Laterality Documentation

    Lack of clear documentation of side (right, left, bilateral) for lumbar foraminal stenosis impacting accurate code assignment (e.g., M48.061, M48.062).

  • Causation Confusion

    Incorrectly coding congenital or other types of stenosis as acquired lumbar foraminal stenosis, leading to inaccurate reporting and reimbursement.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10-CM M48.06, M48.07: Accurate coding for lumbar foraminal stenosis
  • Document radicular pain, numbness, weakness: Supports medical necessity for interventions
  • Physical therapy, NSAIDs: First-line treatment, document response for compliance
  • Epidural steroid injections: Consider if conservative therapy fails, document justification
  • Surgical decompression: Reserve for severe cases, clear documentation of failed conservative treatments

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify ICD-10-CM code M48.06 or M48.07 documented
  • Confirm laterality (right, left, bilateral) specified
  • Check documentation supports foraminal narrowing imaging
  • Correlate symptoms with exam findings (e.g., pain, weakness)
  • Review if surgical vs. conservative treatment is justified

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts payer contracts and medical billing revenue cycle.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Accurate reporting of Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis diagnosis affects hospital value-based care payments.
  • Coding Accuracy: Correct ICD-10 and CPT codes for Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis procedures maximize reimbursement.
  • Hospital Reporting: Accurate Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis data impacts public health reporting and quality improvement initiatives.

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 M48.06 for lumbar stenosis
  • Document nerve root impingement
  • Specify laterality: right, left, bilateral
  • Query MD for clarity if needed
  • Consider M54.17 with radiculopathy

Documentation Templates

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.
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