ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesLow Back Pain With Radiculopathy

Low Back Pain With Radiculopathy

ICD-10 Coding for Low Back Pain with Radiculopathy(M54.16, M51.16)

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

Diagnosis Overview

What is Low Back Pain With Radiculopathy?
Essential facts and insights about Low Back Pain with Radiculopathy

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Persistent low back pain radiating to the lower extremities
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs
  • Positive straight leg raise test

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Patient history including onset, duration, and character of pain
  • Neurological examination findings
  • Imaging results (MRI/CT) indicating nerve root compression

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Follow guidelines for distinguishing between radiculopathy and non-specific low back pain.
  • Common errors include using non-specific codes when radiculopathy is present.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Fractures or tumors causing back pain
  • Codes for non-radicular pain

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
M54.16
Radiculopathy, lumbar region
M54.5
Low back pain
Ancillary Codes
G89.29
Differential Codes
M54.5
M54.16

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Neurology

Specialty Applications

  • Adults with chronic low back pain and neurological symptoms
  • Neurology and pain management clinics

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

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 are the documentation requirements?

Include detailed patient history, physical exam findings, and imaging results.

What are the billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding to reflect the severity and complexity of the condition.