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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM46.06

M46.06

Billable

Spinal enthesopathy, lumbar region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M46.06 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of spinal enthesopathy, lumbar region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Spinal enthesopathy refers to a condition characterized by inflammation at the sites where tendons and ligaments attach to the bone, particularly in the lumbar region of the spine. This condition can be associated with various inflammatory spine diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis, which is a type of spondyloarthritis that primarily affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints. Patients may present with chronic lower back pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, particularly after periods of inactivity. The enthesopathy can lead to changes in the spinal structure, including calcification and ossification of the spinal ligaments, contributing to spinal stenosis and further complications. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as MRI or X-rays, and sometimes laboratory tests to rule out other conditions. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention to relieve symptoms and improve function.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between enthesopathy and other spinal conditions.
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of symptoms and imaging results.
  • Potential overlap with other inflammatory conditions like ankylosing spondylitis.
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on severity and patient response.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings.
  • Failure to specify the exact location of enthesopathy.
  • Misclassification of the condition as a non-inflammatory spine disorder.
  • Lack of supporting imaging studies in the medical record.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of symptoms, physical examination findings, and imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic back pain and stiffness, particularly in younger adults.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly indicate the inflammatory nature of the condition and any associated systemic symptoms.

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes, pre-operative assessments, and post-operative follow-ups.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients requiring surgical intervention for spinal stenosis or severe enthesopathy.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the surgical necessity is well-documented, including conservative treatment attempts.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M46.06 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M46
  • 06 should be used when there is clear documentation of enthesopathy in the lumbar region
  • It is important to include any relevant history of inflammatory spine diseases and to differentiate from other spinal disorders

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M46.06 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

20610CPT Code

Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection into a major joint or bursa

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient with lumbar enthesopathy receives a corticosteroid injection.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the injection, the joint involved, and the patient's response.

Specialty Considerations

Rheumatologists may frequently perform this procedure for symptom management.

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, including enthesopathy, which enhances the ability to track and manage these conditions effectively. It has improved the granularity of data for research and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spinal conditions, including enthesopathy, which enhances the ability to track and manage these conditions effectively. It has improved the granularity of data for research and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 is the primary cause of spinal enthesopathy?

Spinal enthesopathy is primarily caused by inflammatory conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, which leads to chronic inflammation at the entheses, resulting in pain and structural changes in the spine.