Facebook tracking pixel
M43.10
ICD-10-CM
Retrolisthesis

Understanding Retrolisthesis: Find information on diagnosis, treatment, and clinical documentation of posterior vertebral slippage. This resource covers medical coding for Retrolisthesis, including ICD-10 codes, and addresses grading, symptoms, and causes like degenerative disc disease and spinal instability. Learn about healthcare management of Retrolisthesis with details on physical therapy, pain management, and surgical interventions. Explore relevant anatomy, including the spine, vertebrae, and intervertebral discs, for a comprehensive overview of this spinal condition.

Also known as

Retrospondylolisthesis

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Backward slippage of one vertebra relative to another.
  • Clinical Signs : Back pain, stiffness, nerve compression (numbness, tingling), limited range of motion.
  • Common Settings : Lumbar spine (lower back), cervical spine (neck), seen on X-ray or MRI.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC M43.10 Coding
M43.1

Spondylolisthesis

Retrolisthesis is a type of spondylolisthesis, backward displacement of vertebra.

M51.-

Other intervertebral disc disorders

Retrolisthesis can involve disc degeneration contributing to instability.

M53.1

Cervicocranial syndrome

Retrolisthesis in the cervical spine may cause cervicocranial symptoms.

M99.89

Other specified biomechanical lesions

Retrolisthesis is a biomechanical lesion affecting spinal alignment.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the retrolisthesis traumatic?

  • Yes

    Site specified?

  • No

    Site specified?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Backward slippage of vertebra
Spondylolisthesis
Degenerative disc disease

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Retrolisthesis diagnosis ICD-10 code
  • Vertebral slippage direction and degree
  • Symptomatology: pain, numbness, radiculopathy
  • Imaging findings: X-ray, MRI, CT scan confirmation
  • Treatment plan: conservative, surgical intervention

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Level

    Coding retrolisthesis without specifying the vertebral level (e.g., C4-C5) leads to claim denials and inaccurate severity reflection.

  • Missing Documentation

    Insufficient documentation of retrolisthesis type (e.g., degenerative, traumatic) impacts accurate coding and CDI efforts for proper reimbursement.

  • Anterolisthesis Confusion

    Miscoding retrolisthesis as anterolisthesis due to similar terminology leads to coding errors, impacting data integrity and compliance.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10-CM M43.1, precise level documentation for CDI, optimize reimbursement.
  • Physical therapy strengthens muscles, improves posture, reduces pain. CPT codes 97110.
  • Pain management: NSAIDs, epidural injections. Document in medical record for compliance.
  • Weight management reduces spinal stress. ICD-10-CM E66. Monitor BMI for improvement.
  • Surgical fusion, decompression: reserved for severe cases. ICD-10-PCS 0SG, proper coding.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm diagnosis: Retrolisthesis (ICD-10-CM M43.1)
  • Verify laterality and spinal level documentation
  • Review imaging: X-ray/MRI/CT confirmation
  • Assess neurological symptoms and document
  • Correlate symptoms with imaging findings

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Retrolisthesis reimbursement hinges on accurate coding (M43.1XX) and documentation of severity, impacting payments and denials.
  • Quality metrics for Retrolisthesis involve tracking pain management (e.g., Oswestry Disability Index) and functional improvement post-treatment.
  • Coding inaccuracies for Retrolisthesis can trigger audits, impacting hospital revenue cycle and case mix index (CMI).
  • Proper documentation of neurological symptoms related to Retrolisthesis improves risk adjustment and reflects patient complexity for reimbursement.

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 M43.1 for retrolisthesis
  • Specify level, grade, laterality
  • Document causative factors
  • Check documentation for subluxation
  • Query physician if unclear

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of low back pain, possibly indicative of retrolisthesis.  Symptoms include localized pain, stiffness, and potentially radiating pain to the buttocks or thighs.  The patient reports [duration of symptoms] and describes the pain as [character of pain: e.g., sharp, dull, aching, burning].  Physical examination reveals [specific findings: e.g., limited range of motion, tenderness to palpation, muscle spasm, neurological deficits].  Imaging studies, including [specify imaging: e.g., lateral x-ray, MRI, CT scan], were ordered to evaluate for vertebral slippage and assess the degree of retrolisthesis.  Differential diagnoses considered include degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, facet joint syndrome, and spondylolisthesis.  Assessment suggests retrolisthesis at [spinal level: e.g., L4-L5] with [grade of slippage: e.g., Grade 1, Grade 2] based on radiographic measurements.  Initial treatment plan includes conservative management with [specify treatment: e.g., physical therapy, NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, pain management].  Patient education provided on proper body mechanics, posture, and activity modification.  Follow-up scheduled in [timeframe] to assess response to treatment and determine if further intervention, such as interventional pain management or surgical consultation, is necessary.  ICD-10 code [appropriate ICD-10 code: e.g., M43.17] is being considered, pending confirmation of diagnosis and response to treatment.  CPT codes for evaluation and management, imaging, and procedures will be documented accordingly.
Retrolisthesis - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation