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ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesAnterolisthesis Lumbosacral

Anterolisthesis Lumbosacral

ICD-10 Coding for Anterolisthesis Lumbosacral(M43.17)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYNeurosurgery
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Anterolisthesis Lumbosacral?
Essential facts and insights about Anterolisthesis Lumbosacral

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Patients may present with lower back pain, radicular pain, or neurological deficits.
  • Imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may reveal anterior displacement of a vertebra over another.
  • Physical examination may show limited range of motion, tenderness, or neurological signs.
  • Imaging findings should confirm the degree of slippage, typically classified as Grade I to IV based on the Meyerding classification.
  • Severity may be assessed based on the degree of vertebral displacement and associated symptoms.

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Medical records must include a clear diagnosis of anterolisthesis with supporting clinical findings.
  • Specific terminology such as 'anterolisthesis' and the affected vertebral levels must be documented.
  • Examples include documenting the degree of slippage and any associated neurological symptoms.
  • Medical necessity must be established, particularly for imaging and surgical interventions.
  • Quality measures may include documentation of pain assessments and functional status.

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Use this diagnosis code when there is confirmed anterolisthesis with associated symptoms.
  • Do not use this code for conditions like spondylolisthesis without anterior displacement or other unrelated spinal conditions.
  • Similar codes include M43.16 (spondylolisthesis) and M43.18 (other spondylopathies), which should not be confused with anterolisthesis.
  • Common errors include misclassifying the degree of slippage or failing to document associated symptoms.
  • In complex cases, ensure to document all relevant findings to support the selected code.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Conditions such as spondylolysis or other forms of spondylolisthesis are explicitly excluded.
  • Alternative codes for excluded conditions include M43.15 for spondylolisthesis due to spondylolysis.
  • Conditions are excluded based on the absence of anterior displacement or different underlying pathology.
  • Common mistakes include coding anterolisthesis when the documentation supports a different diagnosis.
  • Related but distinct conditions include lumbar disc herniation and spinal stenosis.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
M43.17
Anterolisthesis lumbosacral
M43.16
Spondylolisthesis, lumbar region
Ancillary Codes
M54.16
L5-
S1
anterolisthesis.
M48.06
Differential Codes
M43.16
M43.16
for lumbar region involvement, not specifically
L5-
S1
.

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Neurosurgery

Specialty Applications

  • This diagnosis applies to patients with mechanical back pain and neurological symptoms due to vertebral displacement.
  • Patient populations include adults, particularly those over 50, and athletes with a history of trauma.
  • Clinical settings include outpatient clinics, neurosurgery consultations, and inpatient surgical units.
  • Specialty-specific applications are relevant in neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery.
  • Treatment contexts include conservative management, surgical intervention, and rehabilitation.

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Template 1

Template: 'Patient diagnosed with anterolisthesis based on imaging findings of vertebral displacement.'

Template 2

Template: 'Clinical presentation consistent with anterolisthesis including lower back pain and radicular symptoms.'

Template 3

Template: 'Diagnostic criteria for anterolisthesis met as evidenced by MRI findings of vertebral slippage.'

Template 4

Template: 'Treatment plan initiated for anterolisthesis with surgical intervention recommended.'

Template 5

Template: 'Follow-up care for anterolisthesis including monitoring of pain levels and mobility.'

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation is required for this diagnosis?

Documentation must include clinical findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

How does this differ from similar diagnoses?

Anterolisthesis specifically refers to anterior displacement, while spondylolisthesis may not.

What are common billing considerations?

Ensure that all services provided are medically necessary and well-documented to optimize claims.

What procedures are typically associated?

Common CPT codes include spinal fusion and decompression procedures.

Are there any quality reporting implications?

Quality measures may include tracking pain levels and functional outcomes post-treatment.