ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM46.86

M46.86

Billable

Other specified inflammatory spondylopathies, lumbar region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M46.86 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified inflammatory spondylopathies, lumbar region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

M46.86 refers to inflammatory spondylopathies that do not fall under more specific categories such as ankylosing spondylitis. These conditions can involve inflammation of the vertebrae in the lumbar region, leading to pain, stiffness, and potential mobility issues. Inflammatory spondylopathies can be associated with autoimmune diseases, infections, or other inflammatory conditions. Symptoms may include chronic lower back pain, which can worsen with inactivity and improve with movement. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, and laboratory tests to rule out other conditions. Treatment often includes anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention if conservative measures fail. Understanding the nuances of this code is essential for accurate documentation and billing, as it encompasses a range of inflammatory conditions affecting the lumbar spine.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes (autoimmune, infectious, etc.)
  • Overlap with other inflammatory spine conditions
  • Need for comprehensive documentation to support diagnosis
  • Potential for misclassification with similar codes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and history
  • Failure to specify the type of inflammatory spondylopathy
  • Misuse of related codes leading to upcoding or downcoding
  • Lack of imaging or lab results to support diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic back pain, stiffness, and a family history of autoimmune diseases.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all inflammatory markers and imaging studies are documented to support the diagnosis.

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients requiring surgical intervention for severe spinal stenosis or other complications of inflammatory spondylopathies.

Billing Considerations

Document the rationale for surgical intervention and any conservative treatments attempted prior.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M46.86 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation
  • Include any relevant imaging or lab results that confirm the diagnosis of inflammatory spondylopathy

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M46.86 When
  • Exclude conditions that are more specifically defined under other codes

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 inflammatory spondylopathy requires joint injection for pain management.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved, the reason for the procedure, and any imaging guidance used.

Specialty Considerations

Rheumatologists should ensure that the inflammatory nature of the condition is clearly documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of inflammatory spondylopathies, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. M46.86 provides a way to capture cases that do not fit neatly into other categories, allowing for better tracking and management of these conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of inflammatory spondylopathies, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. M46.86 provides a way to capture cases that do not fit neatly into other categories, allowing for better tracking and management of these conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of inflammatory spondylopathies, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. M46.86 provides a way to capture cases that do not fit neatly into other categories, allowing for better tracking and management of these conditions.

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 difference between M46.86 and M45?

M46.86 is used for other specified inflammatory spondylopathies, while M45 specifically refers to ankylosing spondylitis. Accurate coding depends on the specific diagnosis and clinical findings.