Find information on lumbar spondylosis diagnosis, including ICD-10 codes M47.816 and M47.89, medical coding guidelines, clinical documentation requirements, and healthcare resources. Learn about degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis of the spine, facet arthropathy, and spinal stenosis related to lumbar spondylosis. Explore treatment options and best practices for managing this common spine condition.
Also known as
Other spondylosis
Spondylosis affecting the lumbar region.
Other spondylosis
Spondylosis at other sites, including lumbar if unspecified.
Low back pain
Pain in the lower back, often associated with spondylosis.
Spondylosis with myelopathy
Spondylosis causing spinal cord compression, potentially in lumbar.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is there myelopathy or radiculopathy?
Yes
Myelopathy?
No
Intervertebral disc displacement?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Lumbar spine degeneration |
| Lumbar spinal stenosis |
| Lumbar spondylolisthesis |
Coding lumbar spondylosis without specifying the affected vertebral level(s) leads to inaccurate documentation and claims.
Miscoding spondylosis as osteoarthritis or vice versa due to overlapping symptoms can impact reimbursement and data analysis.
Insufficient documentation of myelopathy associated with spondylosis can result in undercoding and missed CC/MCC capture.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with lumbar spondylosis. Symptoms include chronic low back pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. The patient reports pain exacerbation with activity and relief with rest. On physical examination, paraspinal muscle tenderness and reduced lumbar flexion and extension were noted. Neurological examination was unremarkable, with no evidence of radiculopathy or myelopathy. Radiographic imaging of the lumbar spine demonstrates degenerative changes consistent with spondylosis, including osteophyte formation, disc space narrowing, and facet joint hypertrophy. Assessment: Lumbar spondylosis (ICD-10 M47.812). Plan: Conservative management is recommended, including physical therapy focusing on core strengthening and flexibility exercises, NSAIDs for pain management, and patient education on proper body mechanics. Follow-up scheduled in four weeks to assess response to treatment. Differential diagnoses considered included lumbar strain, herniated disc, and spinal stenosis. Medical coding for this encounter will include evaluation and management codes based on complexity and time spent with the patient.