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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM46.57

M46.57

Billable

Other infective spondylopathies, lumbosacral region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M46.57 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other infective spondylopathies, lumbosacral region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Infective spondylopathies refer to inflammatory conditions of the spine caused by infectious agents, which can lead to significant morbidity. The lumbosacral region is particularly vulnerable due to its weight-bearing function and mobility. Conditions such as osteomyelitis, discitis, and spondylodiscitis can manifest in this area, often resulting from bacterial infections, tuberculosis, or fungal infections. Symptoms typically include localized pain, fever, and neurological deficits if spinal cord involvement occurs. Diagnosis is often confirmed through imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, alongside laboratory tests to identify the causative organism. Treatment usually involves a combination of antibiotics or antifungal medications and may require surgical intervention in severe cases. The complexity of diagnosing and coding these conditions arises from the need to differentiate between various types of spondylopathies and to accurately document the infectious etiology.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between infective and non-infective spondylopathies
  • Identifying the specific infectious agent involved
  • Documenting the severity and extent of the infection
  • Understanding the relationship between symptoms and imaging findings

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the infectious agent
  • Failure to specify the lumbosacral region affected
  • Misclassification of the condition as non-infective
  • Lack of imaging or lab results to support the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed imaging reports, surgical notes, and lab results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with back pain and fever, suspected osteomyelitis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clarity in distinguishing between infectious and degenerative conditions.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Microbiological test results, treatment plans, and follow-up notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with known infections presenting with spinal symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Document the response to treatment and any complications.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M46.57 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the infectious nature of the spondylopathy
  • Include any relevant lab results and imaging findings to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M46.57 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

73030CPT Code

CT scan of the lumbar spine

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate suspected infective spondylopathy.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for the scan and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and Infectious Disease specialists should ensure imaging correlates with clinical findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of infective spondylopathies, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of infective spondylopathies, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 infective spondylopathies?

Common causes include bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus aureus, tuberculosis, and fungal infections. Risk factors include immunocompromised states, recent infections, and history of spinal surgery.