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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM46.59

M46.59

Billable

Other infective spondylopathies, multiple sites in spine

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M46.59 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other infective spondylopathies, multiple sites in spine.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Infective spondylopathies refer to inflammatory conditions of the spine caused by infectious agents, which can lead to significant morbidity if not diagnosed and treated promptly. M46.59 specifically encompasses cases where the infection affects multiple sites within the spine, which can include bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Common pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and various fungi. Symptoms often include localized pain, fever, and neurological deficits depending on the extent of the infection and any resultant spinal cord compression. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, along with laboratory tests to identify the causative organism. Treatment may involve antibiotics, antifungals, or surgical intervention to decompress the spine and stabilize the affected areas. The complexity of managing these conditions arises from the need for a multidisciplinary approach, including infectious disease specialists, orthopedic surgeons, and rehabilitation professionals.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential infectious agents requiring specific identification
  • Need for comprehensive imaging and laboratory documentation
  • Differentiation from non-infective spondylopathies
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other spinal conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the infectious agent
  • Failure to document multiple sites of infection
  • Lack of imaging studies to support diagnosis
  • Inconsistent clinical findings reported

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of infection, laboratory results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fever and back pain, suspected osteomyelitis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the infectious agent and response to treatment.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes, imaging results, and post-operative care documentation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for abscess drainage or spinal stabilization.

Billing Considerations

Document the rationale for surgical intervention and any complications.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M46.59 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the infectious agent and the specific sites affected
  • Include any relevant imaging and laboratory results to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M46.59 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

63030CPT Code

Laminectomy, facetectomy, and foraminotomy

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases where surgical intervention is needed for decompression due to infection.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the rationale for surgery and any complications.

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 diagnosis and treatment tracking. M46.59 provides a distinct code for cases involving multiple sites, enhancing data collection and research capabilities.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of infective spondylopathies, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. M46.59 provides a distinct code for cases involving multiple sites, enhancing data collection and research capabilities.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of infective spondylopathies, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. M46.59 provides a distinct code for cases involving multiple sites, enhancing data collection and research capabilities.

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. Each pathogen may require different diagnostic and treatment approaches.