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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM46.27

M46.27

Billable

Osteomyelitis of vertebra, lumbosacral region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M46.27 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of osteomyelitis of vertebra, lumbosacral region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Osteomyelitis of the vertebra in the lumbosacral region is an infection of the bone that can lead to significant morbidity if not diagnosed and treated promptly. This condition often arises from hematogenous spread, direct extension from adjacent infections, or post-surgical complications. Patients may present with localized pain, fever, and neurological deficits depending on the extent of the infection and any associated spinal cord involvement. Imaging studies, particularly MRI, are critical for diagnosis, revealing bone edema, abscess formation, and potential disc involvement. Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics and surgical intervention to debride infected tissue and stabilize the spine. Chronic osteomyelitis can lead to complications such as spinal deformities, chronic pain, and neurological impairment, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach for management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic osteomyelitis
  • Identifying the specific vertebral levels affected
  • Co-existing conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis or spinal stenosis
  • Need for precise documentation of imaging findings

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the infection's origin
  • Failure to specify the lumbosacral region affected
  • Lack of imaging reports to support diagnosis
  • Misclassification of osteomyelitis as a different condition

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes, imaging studies, and post-operative care plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for osteomyelitis, management of spinal deformities.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clarity on the surgical approach and any hardware used.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history of infection, laboratory results, and antibiotic regimens.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of systemic infections leading to osteomyelitis.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the response to treatment and any complications.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M46.27 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding osteomyelitis, ensuring to document the specific site and any associated conditions
  • Include any relevant imaging findings and treatment plans

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M46.27 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22554CPT Code

Spinal fusion, posterior technique

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases where surgical intervention is required for osteomyelitis.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indication.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the rationale for surgery.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteomyelitis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M46.27 provides a clear distinction for lumbosacral involvement, which is critical for treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteomyelitis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M46.27 provides a clear distinction for lumbosacral involvement, which is critical for treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. M46.27 provides a clear distinction for lumbosacral involvement, which is critical for treatment planning.

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 are the common causes of osteomyelitis in the lumbosacral region?

Common causes include hematogenous spread from distant infections, direct extension from adjacent soft tissue infections, and post-surgical complications.