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M54.6
ICD-10-CM
Upper Back Pain

Find reliable information on upper back pain diagnosis, including ICD-10 codes, clinical documentation tips, differential diagnosis, and treatment options. Learn about common causes like muscle strain, thoracic spine disorders, and referred pain. This resource helps healthcare professionals accurately document and code upper back pain for optimal patient care and reimbursement. Explore evidence-based guidelines and best practices for managing upper back pain in a clinical setting.

Also known as

Thoracic Spine Pain
Mid Back Pain
dorsalgia

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Discomfort or pain felt in the area between the base of the neck and bottom of the ribs.
  • Clinical Signs : Muscle tightness, stiffness, decreased range of motion, pain with movement, tenderness to touch.
  • Common Settings : Primary care clinics, chiropractic offices, physical therapy centers, orthopedics.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC M54.6 Coding
M54.5

Low back pain

Pain in the thoracic spine area.

M54.6

Pain in thoracic spine

Pain localized to the thoracic spine.

M79.1

Myalgia

Muscle pain that may contribute to upper back pain.

M53.8

Other dorsopathies

Other specified disorders affecting the thoracic spine.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is there trauma documented?

  • Yes

    Specific injury documented?

  • No

    Radiculopathy/Neuralgia?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Upper back pain
Thoracic radiculopathy
Intercostal neuralgia

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Thoracic back pain location, onset, quality
  • Aggravating and alleviating factors documented
  • Pain radiation, associated symptoms included
  • Physical exam findings: ROM, tenderness
  • Medical coding: ICD-10 M54.6, M54.8

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Diagnosis

    Coding upper back pain as unspecified (M54.9) without sufficient documentation to support a more specific diagnosis leads to inaccurate severity and treatment reflection.

  • Missed Comorbidities

    Failing to document and code associated conditions like scoliosis or arthritis with upper back pain impacts DRG assignment and reimbursement.

  • Documentation Gaps

    Insufficient documentation of the location, severity, and etiology of upper back pain creates coding ambiguity and potential compliance issues.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Thorough HPI: Document pain onset, location, quality for accurate ICD-10 coding.
  • MSK exam: Detail palpation, ROM for M79.1, rule out radiculopathy (M54.1).
  • Image judiciously: Justify X-rays, MRIs per clinical guidelines, avoid denials.
  • Review prior notes: CDI compliant reconciliation of current symptoms with past diagnoses.
  • Assess impact on ADLs: Document functional limitations for treatment planning, HCC coding.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Rule out cardiac causes (ICD-10 I20-I25)
  • Assess for red flags: trauma, fever (SNOMED CT 404684003)
  • Evaluate ROM, palpation tenderness (CPT 99202-99215)
  • Review psychosocial factors impacting pain (DSM-5)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Upper back pain diagnosis reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 coding (M54.xx series) for optimal claim processing and minimizing denials.
  • Coding quality directly impacts back pain metrics reporting, affecting hospital value-based purchasing and public quality scores.
  • Proper E/M coding selection based on documented back pain evaluation level influences reimbursement levels and reduces audit risk.
  • Thorough documentation of upper back pain symptoms, examination, and treatment plan is crucial for compliant billing and justifying medical necessity.

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 specific upper back pain location
  • Document pain radiation clearly
  • Rule out thoracic spine fractures
  • Consider M54.6 for unspecified
  • Check for associated symptoms

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of upper back pain, thoracic back pain, and discomfort between the shoulder blades.  Onset of pain is described as [acute/gradual/insidious], occurring [duration] ago, potentially related to [possible causative factor, e.g., lifting heavy objects, prolonged sitting, recent injury, stress].  Pain quality is reported as [sharp, dull, aching, burning, throbbing, radiating], with intensity rated [numeric pain scale 0-10].  Pain location is specified in the [cervicothoracic, mid-thoracic, thoracolumbar] region.  Associated symptoms may include muscle spasms, stiffness, limited range of motion, numbness, tingling, or radiating pain to the neck, shoulders, or arms.  Patient denies any fever, chills, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or history of trauma.  Physical examination reveals [tenderness to palpation, muscle tightness, reduced spinal mobility, crepitus].  Neurological examination is [within normal limits/reveals sensory deficits/reveals motor deficits].  Differential diagnosis includes musculoskeletal strain, myofascial pain syndrome, thoracic facet joint dysfunction, degenerative disc disease, costochondritis, and referred pain.  Diagnostic imaging, such as X-ray or MRI of the thoracic spine, may be considered if indicated by clinical findings.  Initial treatment plan includes [conservative management with rest, ice, heat, over-the-counter pain relievers such as NSAIDs, physical therapy, postural education, ergonomic modifications].  Patient education regarding proper body mechanics, stretching exercises, and activity modification was provided.  Follow-up appointment scheduled in [timeframe] to assess response to treatment and adjust management plan as needed.  ICD-10 code considerations include [M54.6, M54.8, M54.9 depending on specific clinical presentation].