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M54.89
ICD-10-CM
Thoracolumbar Pain

Find information on thoracolumbar pain diagnosis, including ICD-10 codes (M54.5, M54.6), clinical documentation improvement tips, medical coding guidelines, and healthcare resources. Learn about thoracic and lumbar spine pain management, treatment options, and differential diagnosis considerations for accurate coding and documentation. Explore resources for physicians, clinicians, and medical coders focusing on thoracolumbar pain syndrome, back pain, and vertebral column disorders.

Also known as

Back Pain
Spinal Pain

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Pain in the mid-to-lower back area, spanning the thoracic and lumbar spine.
  • Clinical Signs : Muscle spasms, stiffness, limited range of motion, tenderness to touch, radiating pain.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, chiropractic, physical therapy, pain management clinics.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC M54.89 Coding
M54.5

Low back pain

Pain in the lower back region.

M54.6

Pain in thoracic spine

Pain localized to the thoracic spinal area.

M54.4

Lumbago with sciatica

Lower back pain radiating down the leg.

M54.8

Other dorsalgia

Pain in the back not otherwise specified.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is trauma documented?

  • Yes

    Fracture documented?

  • No

    Radiculopathy/neuralgia?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Thoracolumbar pain
Thoracic back pain
Lumbar back pain

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Thoracolumbar pain diagnosis code
  • Location: Thoracic, lumbar, or both?
  • Onset: Acute, subacute, or chronic?
  • Pain characteristics: Describe type, radiation
  • Aggravating and relieving factors documented

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Location

    Coding thoracolumbar pain without specific vertebral level or laterality risks downcoding and lost revenue. CDI should query for clarity.

  • Trauma vs. Non-Trauma

    Miscoding traumatic thoracolumbar pain as non-traumatic impacts severity and reimbursement. Accurate documentation is crucial for proper coding.

  • Radiculopathy Link

    Failing to code associated radiculopathy with thoracolumbar pain leads to underreporting severity and potential compliance issues. CDI should clarify.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Thorough exam: Document palpation, ROM for accurate ICD-10 coding.
  • Specific pain location: Lumbar? Thoracic? Impacts M75.x vs M54.x codes.
  • Radiculopathy signs: Note reflex/sensory loss, improve CDI for M54.1x.
  • Exclude visceral causes: R/o AAA, renal issues for compliant billing.
  • Trauma history: Key for S-codes, accurate E/M coding, avoid denials.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify pain location: thoracic and/or lumbar spine
  • Assess pain characteristics: onset, duration, type
  • Review physical exam: ROM, tenderness, neuro signs
  • Evaluate imaging studies: X-ray, MRI, CT as indicated
  • Consider differential diagnoses: fracture, infection

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Thoracolumbar Pain Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts payer contracts and medical billing revenue cycle.
  • Thoracolumbar Pain Coding: Accurate ICD-10 M54.x codes are crucial for proper hospital reporting and claims processing.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Pain management documentation affects hospital value-based purchasing and patient satisfaction scores.
  • Thoracolumbar Pain Diagnosis: Correct coding and documentation minimize claim denials and improve reimbursement rates.

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 M54.5 for thoracolumbar pain
  • Specify laterality if documented
  • Check for underlying cause, code it too
  • Document pain location precisely
  • Consider combination codes if applicable

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of thoracolumbar pain, localized between the thoracic and lumbar spine regions.  Onset of pain is reported as [Onset - e.g., gradual, acute, insidious] and began approximately [Duration] ago.  The patient describes the pain as [Quality - e.g., sharp, dull, aching, burning, stabbing] and rates its severity as [Severity on a scale of 0-10].  Pain is [Frequency - e.g., constant, intermittent, episodic] and is [Aggravating/Alleviating Factors - e.g., aggravated by bending, lifting, prolonged sitting; alleviated by rest, heat, medication].  Associated symptoms include [Associated Symptoms - e.g., muscle spasms, stiffness, numbness, tingling, weakness, radicular pain].  The patient denies any history of trauma, fever, chills, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss.  Physical examination reveals [Objective Findings - e.g., tenderness to palpation in the thoracolumbar region, limited range of motion, paraspinal muscle spasm, positive straight leg raise test].  Neurological examination of the lower extremities is [Neurological Exam Findings - e.g., intact, reveals diminished reflexes].  Differential diagnoses include musculoskeletal strain, degenerative disc disease, facet joint syndrome, and herniated disc.  Assessment: Thoracolumbar pain (ICD-10 code: M54.6).  Plan: Conservative management is indicated.  The patient is advised on activity modification, including avoiding activities that exacerbate pain.  Prescribed [Medications - e.g., NSAIDs, muscle relaxants].  Referral for physical therapy for targeted exercises and modalities to improve strength, flexibility, and pain management.  Patient education provided regarding proper body mechanics and posture.  Follow-up scheduled in [Duration] to assess response to treatment.  Further diagnostic testing, such as X-ray or MRI, may be considered if symptoms persist or worsen.
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