Find information on lumbar spondylolisthesis diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding, ICD-10 codes, and treatment. Learn about symptoms, causes, and diagnostic criteria for lumbar spondylolisthesis grades. Explore resources for healthcare professionals on proper coding and documentation for spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine. This comprehensive guide covers spondylolisthesis diagnosis, treatment, and coding guidelines for accurate medical recordkeeping.
Also known as
Spondylolisthesis, lumbar region
Forward displacement of one vertebra over another in the lower back.
Lumbago with sciatica
Lower back pain radiating down the leg, often associated with spondylolisthesis.
Low back pain
Generalized pain in the lumbar region, a common symptom of spondylolisthesis.
Other paraplegia
Paralysis of the lower limbs, a rare but serious complication of spondylolisthesis.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the spondylolisthesis traumatic?
Yes
Code S32.1XXD (Traumatic spondylolisthesis of lumbar region)
No
Is the displacement anterolisthesis?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Forward slippage of lumbar vertebra |
Degenerative disc disease lumbar |
Lumbar spinal stenosis |
Coding lumbar spondylolisthesis requires specifying the affected vertebral level (e.g., L4-L5). Lack of documentation clarity can lead to unspecified codes and lost revenue.
Spondylolisthesis grading (e.g., Grade 1, Grade 2) impacts code selection. Insufficient documentation of slip severity poses audit risks and reimbursement challenges.
Coding spondylolisthesis often involves associated conditions like spinal stenosis. Incomplete documentation of these comorbidities can lead to undercoding and inaccurate DRG assignment.
Patient presents with complaints of low back pain, a common symptom of lumbar spondylolisthesis. The pain may radiate to the buttocks and legs, consistent with radiculopathy or neurogenic claudication. Onset of pain may be insidious or related to a specific incident. Physical examination reveals tenderness to palpation in the lumbar spine. Neurological examination may demonstrate sensory deficits, muscle weakness, or altered reflexes in the lower extremities, depending on the degree of nerve root compression. Range of motion in the lumbar spine may be limited due to pain and muscle spasm. Radiographic imaging, such as lumbar X-rays, CT scan, or MRI, is indicated for diagnosis confirmation and grading of the spondylolisthesis. Differential diagnoses include lumbar disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. Assessment suggests lumbar spondylolisthesis, likely at the L4-L5 or L5-S1 level. Treatment plan includes conservative management with physical therapy focusing on core strengthening and pain management strategies such as NSAIDs, heat or ice therapy. Patient education on proper body mechanics and activity modification is crucial. Surgical intervention may be considered if conservative treatment fails to provide adequate relief or if neurological deficits progress. Follow-up appointment scheduled to monitor symptoms and response to treatment. ICD-10 code M43.1 will be used for documentation and billing purposes, specifying the level of spondylolisthesis as appropriate. CPT codes for procedures, such as injections or physical therapy, will be documented accordingly.