Effective October 1, 2024, the ICD-10-CM codes for lumbar disc degeneration and low back pain have been updated to provide greater specificity in diagnosis. These changes are pertinent to chiropractors in Utah and nationwide.
Updated Codes for Lumbar Disc Degeneration:
The previous codes M51.36 (other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region) and M51.37 (other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbosacral region) have been expanded to include additional details about the patient’s condition. These codes now require a sixth character to specify the presence and type of associated pain:
- M51.360: Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region with discogenic back pain only.
- M51.361: Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region with lower extremity pain only.
- M51.362: Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region with discogenic back pain and lower extremity pain.
- M51.369: Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region without mention of lumbar back pain or lower extremity pain.
- M51.370: Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbosacral region with discogenic back pain only.
- M51.371: Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbosacral region with lower extremity pain only.
- M51.372: Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbosacral region with discogenic back pain and lower extremity pain.
- M51.379: Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbosacral region without mention of lumbar back pain or lower extremity pain.
These updates aim to enhance diagnostic precision by distinguishing between discogenic back pain, lower extremity pain, both, or neither.
Updated Codes for Low Back Pain:
The code M54.5 (low back pain) has been revised to provide more detailed information:
- M54.50: Low back pain, unspecified.