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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM43.27

M43.27

Billable

Fusion of spine, lumbosacral region

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/17/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 M43.27 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of fusion of spine, lumbosacral region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Fusion of the lumbosacral spine is a surgical procedure aimed at stabilizing the vertebrae in the lower back, specifically the lumbar and sacral regions. This procedure is often indicated for patients with spinal deformities such as scoliosis, kyphosis, or lordosis, where abnormal curvature of the spine can lead to pain, functional impairment, or neurological deficits. The fusion process involves the use of bone grafts and instrumentation (such as screws and rods) to promote bone healing and stability. The goal is to eliminate motion at the affected vertebral segments, thereby reducing pain and preventing further deformity progression. Patients may undergo this procedure due to degenerative disc disease, traumatic injuries, or congenital anomalies. Post-operative care is crucial for recovery, and rehabilitation often includes physical therapy to restore strength and mobility. Complications can include infection, non-union of the fusion, and adjacent segment disease, necessitating careful patient selection and thorough pre-operative assessment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in surgical techniques and approaches
  • Need for detailed documentation of pre-existing conditions
  • Potential for multiple diagnoses related to spinal deformities
  • Variations in payer guidelines for coverage and reimbursement

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the surgical procedure
  • Failure to document pre-existing spinal conditions
  • Incorrect coding of associated diagnoses
  • Lack of clarity in post-operative care documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, pre-operative assessments, and post-operative follow-ups.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with severe scoliosis requiring surgical intervention, degenerative disc disease leading to instability.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate representation of the surgical approach and any complications encountered during the procedure.

Neurosurgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive neurological evaluations, imaging studies, and surgical notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with neurological deficits due to spinal deformities, trauma cases requiring urgent intervention.

Billing Considerations

Document neurological assessments pre- and post-surgery to support the necessity of the procedure.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M43.27 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the procedure, associated diagnoses, and any complications
  • Include specific details about the surgical approach and any additional procedures performed

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M43.27 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22630CPT Code

Lumbar spinal fusion, posterior technique

Clinical Scenario

Used in conjunction with M43.27 for patients undergoing surgical fusion.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure, including levels fused and any instrumentation used.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the rationale for the procedure and any pre-existing conditions.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spinal conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M43.27 provides a clear indication of the procedure performed, facilitating better tracking of outcomes and complications.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spinal conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M43.27 provides a clear indication of the procedure performed, facilitating better tracking of outcomes and complications.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. M43.27 provides a clear indication of the procedure performed, facilitating better tracking of outcomes and complications.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions can lead to the need for M43.27?

Conditions such as severe scoliosis, kyphosis, degenerative disc disease, and trauma can necessitate spinal fusion in the lumbosacral region.