Find information on lumbar stenosis with radiculopathy including diagnosis codes, clinical documentation requirements, and healthcare resources. Learn about ICD-10 codes for lumbar spinal stenosis with radiculopathy, treatment options, and medical coding guidelines for accurate reimbursement. Explore symptoms, causes, and diagnostic criteria for lumbar stenosis with nerve root compression. This resource provides essential information for healthcare professionals, coders, and patients seeking to understand lumbar stenosis and radiculopathy.
Also known as
Spinal stenosis, lumbar region
Narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back.
Radiculopathy, lumbar region
Pinched nerve causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back.
Chronic pain syndrome
Long-lasting pain that may accompany lumbar stenosis and radiculopathy.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the lumbar stenosis with radiculopathy acquired?
Yes
Is there myelopathy?
No
Is it congenital?
When to use each related code
Description |
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Lumbar Spinal Stenosis with Radiculopathy |
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis without Radiculopathy |
Lumbar Disc Herniation with Radiculopathy |
Inaccurate sequencing of stenosis and radiculopathy diagnosis codes, impacting DRG assignment and reimbursement.
Lack of specificity in coding laterality (right, left, bilateral) and site of stenosis leading to undercoding and lost revenue.
Insufficient physician documentation linking the stenosis to the radiculopathy, creating audit risk and potential claim denials.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with lumbar spinal stenosis and radiculopathy. Symptoms include low back pain radiating to the legs, described as neurogenic claudication. Pain is exacerbated by walking and standing, and relieved by sitting or flexion at the waist. The patient reports numbness, tingling, and weakness in the lower extremities, specifically mentioning [Affected leg(s) and dermatomal distribution, e.g., right L5 dermatome]. Physical examination reveals positive straight leg raise test on the [Affected side(s)] and diminished reflexes in the [Affected reflex(es), e.g., Achilles tendon]. The patient demonstrates a cautious, antalgic gait. Review of systems is negative for bowel or bladder incontinence. Assessment suggests lumbar stenosis with radiculopathy, likely at the [Suspected spinal level(s), e.g., L4-L5]. Differential diagnoses include lumbar disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, and spinal osteoarthritis. Plan includes MRI of the lumbar spine to confirm diagnosis and assess the degree of stenosis. Conservative treatment options will be considered, including physical therapy, pain management with NSAIDs and neuropathic pain medications such as gabapentin, and epidural steroid injections. Surgical intervention, such as laminectomy or decompression surgery, may be considered if conservative measures fail to provide adequate relief. Patient education provided on lumbar stenosis, radiculopathy symptoms, and treatment options. Follow-up scheduled in two weeks to review MRI results and discuss treatment plan.