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
Low back pain
Pain in the lower back region.
Pain in thoracic spine
Pain localized to the thoracic spinal area.
Lumbago with sciatica
Lower back pain radiating down the leg.
Other dorsalgia
Pain in the back not otherwise specified.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is trauma documented?
Yes
Fracture documented?
No
Radiculopathy/neuralgia?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Thoracolumbar pain |
Thoracic back pain |
Lumbar back pain |
Coding thoracolumbar pain without specific vertebral level or laterality risks downcoding and lost revenue. CDI should query for clarity.
Miscoding traumatic thoracolumbar pain as non-traumatic impacts severity and reimbursement. Accurate documentation is crucial for proper coding.
Failing to code associated radiculopathy with thoracolumbar pain leads to underreporting severity and potential compliance issues. CDI should clarify.
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.