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M48.04
ICD-10-CM
Thoracic Spinal Stenosis

Find information on thoracic spinal stenosis diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (M48.07, G95.9), medical coding guidelines, and healthcare resources. Learn about symptoms, treatment options, and the role of diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT scan) in confirming thoracic spinal stenosis. This resource provides essential information for healthcare professionals, coders, and patients seeking to understand this condition.

Also known as

Thoracic Stenosis
Spinal Canal Narrowing in Thoracic Region

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Narrowing of the spinal canal in the chest area, compressing nerves.
  • Clinical Signs : Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness in back, chest, or limbs. Balance problems, gait disturbances.
  • Common Settings : Outpatient neurology clinics, spine centers, pain management centers.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC M48.04 Coding
M48.0

Spinal stenosis, thoracic region

Narrowing of the spinal canal in the chest area.

M50-M54

Other dorsopathies

Includes other disorders affecting the thoracic spine.

G99.2

Central cord syndrome

May be a consequence of thoracic stenosis, impairing arm/hand function.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the thoracic spinal stenosis congenital?

  • Yes

    Code Q76.1 Congenital spinal stenosis

  • No

    Is there myelopathy?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Thoracic Spinal Stenosis
Degenerative Disc Disease
Thoracic Disc Herniation

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Thoracic spinal stenosis diagnosis code
  • Document detailed symptom onset and duration
  • Neurological exam findings (e.g., weakness, numbness)
  • Imaging confirmation (MRI/CT) with stenosis location/severity
  • Impact on function and activities of daily living (ADLs)

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Thoracic MRI/CT ICD-10-CM code G95.9 verification
  • Document symptom onset, duration, location for CDI
  • Assess gait, reflexes, and bowel/bladder function
  • Order EMG/NCS if radiculopathy suspected: proper CPT codes
  • Review prior authorizations, ensure payer compliance

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify symptoms: gait changes, numbness, pain
  • Confirm imaging: MRI/CT shows spinal canal narrowing
  • Assess neuro exam: weakness, sensory loss, reflexes
  • Review medical history: trauma, arthritis, congenital issues

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Thoracic Spinal Stenosis Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts payer contract adherence, affecting case mix index and hospital revenue.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Accurate documentation of stenosis severity and functional status affects quality reporting and value-based payments.
  • Coding Accuracy: Correct ICD-10 (M48.0), CPT (e.g., 63047) coding crucial for proper reimbursement and avoiding denials.
  • Hospital Reporting: Accurate stenosis coding impacts DRG assignment, influencing hospital quality scores and public reporting data.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code M48.0x for primary stenosis
  • Document laterality: R, L, or B
  • Specify site, e.g., T2-T4
  • Query MD if unclear
  • Check 722.7x for disc-related

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with thoracic spinal stenosis, including symptoms of thoracic myelopathy, neurogenic claudication, and radiculopathy.  Onset of symptoms is reported as [gradual/acute/subacute] and began approximately [timeframe] ago.  Patient describes [specific symptoms, e.g., pain, numbness, tingling, weakness] in the [location of symptoms, e.g., upper back, chest, abdomen, extremities].  Pain is characterized as [quality of pain, e.g., sharp, dull, burning, aching] and radiates to [location of radiating pain].  Symptoms are exacerbated by [exacerbating factors, e.g., walking, standing, bending, twisting] and relieved by [relieving factors, e.g., sitting, resting, medication].  Neurological examination reveals [objective findings, e.g., decreased sensation, muscle weakness, hyperreflexia, positive Babinski sign].  Differential diagnoses considered include degenerative disc disease, herniated thoracic disc, facet arthropathy, and thoracic spondylosis.  Imaging studies, including thoracic spine MRI and or CT scan, were ordered to assess the degree of spinal canal narrowing and rule out other pathologies.  Preliminary imaging findings suggest [imaging findings, e.g., narrowing of the thoracic spinal canal, compression of the spinal cord, disc herniation].  Assessment: Thoracic spinal stenosis with [severity, e.g., mild, moderate, severe]  [type of stenosis, e.g., central, lateral recess, foraminal] compression at the level of [spinal level].  Plan:  Conservative management will be initiated, including physical therapy, pain management with [medication, e.g., NSAIDs, neuropathic pain medications], and activity modification.  Patient education provided regarding the condition and prognosis.  Referral to a spine specialist will be considered if symptoms do not improve with conservative treatment or if neurological deficits worsen. Surgical intervention, such as thoracic laminectomy or decompression surgery, may be indicated if conservative measures fail to provide adequate relief.  Follow-up scheduled in [timeframe] to assess response to treatment and further evaluate the patient's clinical status.
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