Facebook tracking pixelLumbar Stenosis with Radiculopathy - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation
M48.062
ICD-10-CM
Lumbar Stenosis with Radiculopathy

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 with Nerve Root Compression
Lumbar Canal Stenosis with Sciatica

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back, compressing nerves.
  • Clinical Signs : Back pain, leg pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, worsened with walking or standing.
  • Common Settings : Outpatient clinics, spine centers, pain management centers, physical therapy.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC M48.062 Coding
M48.0

Spinal stenosis, lumbar region

Narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back.

M54.1

Radiculopathy, lumbar region

Pinched nerve causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back.

G89.2

Chronic pain syndrome

Long-lasting pain that may accompany lumbar stenosis and radiculopathy.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis with Radiculopathy
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis without Radiculopathy
Lumbar Disc Herniation with Radiculopathy

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Lumbar stenosis with radiculopathy diagnosis code
  • Radiculopathy symptoms location and severity
  • Neurological exam findings (sensory/motor deficits)
  • Imaging evidence of lumbar spinal stenosis
  • Correlation of symptoms with imaging findings

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Code Sequencing

    Inaccurate sequencing of stenosis and radiculopathy diagnosis codes, impacting DRG assignment and reimbursement.

  • Specificity of Codes

    Lack of specificity in coding laterality (right, left, bilateral) and site of stenosis leading to undercoding and lost revenue.

  • Documentation Clarity

    Insufficient physician documentation linking the stenosis to the radiculopathy, creating audit risk and potential claim denials.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10-CM M48.07, M54.17: Accurate coding for lumbar stenosis with radiculopathy.
  • Document radicular pain, numbness, weakness for CDI, supporting medical necessity.
  • Physical therapy, exercise: Improve strength, flexibility, manage pain (CPT 97110).
  • Pain management: NSAIDs, opioids (short-term), epidural injections (CPT 62311).
  • Surgical intervention if conservative treatment fails. Document clear indications.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify ICD-10-CM codes M48.0, M48.06, M48.07, G83.4
  • Confirm radiating leg pain documented in HPI
  • Check physical exam for positive SLR or sensory deficits
  • Review imaging reports for central canal or foraminal narrowing

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Lumbar Stenosis with Radiculopathy reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 (M48.0, M48.1, M54.1x) and CPT coding (63001-63057, 64483-64495) for injections, decompressions, or fusions. Proper documentation impacts payer contract negotiations and value-based care.
  • Coding quality directly affects lumbar stenosis with radiculopathy reimbursement. Incorrect coding leads to denials, lower payments, and compliance risks. CDI programs and physician education improve accuracy and optimize revenue cycle management.
  • Hospital reporting on lumbar stenosis with radiculopathy requires precise data capture for quality metrics like length of stay, readmission rates, and patient reported outcomes (PROs). Accurate coding ensures correct data for performance benchmarking and public reporting.
  • Timely and accurate coding for lumbar stenosis with radiculopathy improves case mix index (CMI), allowing for appropriate resource allocation and accurate reflection of patient acuity. This directly impacts hospital reimbursement and quality reporting.

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 M48.07 for lumbar stenosis
  • Code radiculopathy with G54.1-
  • Document specific nerve root
  • Query physician for clarity
  • Link symptoms to stenosis

Documentation Templates

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.