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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM46.88

M46.88

Billable

Other specified inflammatory spondylopathies, sacral and sacrococcygeal region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M46.88 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified inflammatory spondylopathies, sacral and sacrococcygeal region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

M46.88 refers to a category of inflammatory spondylopathies that affect the sacral and sacrococcygeal regions of the spine. These conditions are characterized by inflammation of the vertebrae and surrounding tissues, leading to pain, stiffness, and potential mobility issues. Inflammatory spondylopathies can manifest in various forms, including ankylosing spondylitis, which primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing progressive stiffness and fusion of the spine. Other inflammatory conditions may include spinal stenosis, which can result from inflammation leading to narrowing of the spinal canal, causing nerve compression. The sacral and sacrococcygeal regions are particularly significant due to their role in weight-bearing and mobility. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laboratory tests to identify inflammatory markers. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention. Accurate coding is essential for proper management and reimbursement, as these conditions can significantly impact a patient's quality of life.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of inflammatory conditions that can be classified under this code
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and diagnostic tests
  • Differentiation from other spondylopathies and spinal conditions
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with non-inflammatory conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of inflammatory markers
  • Failure to specify the exact type of inflammatory spondylopathy
  • Misclassification of symptoms as non-inflammatory
  • Lack of imaging studies to support diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, physical examination findings, imaging results, and laboratory tests indicating inflammation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

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 detailing the condition and treatment outcomes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients requiring surgical intervention for severe spinal stenosis or fusion due to inflammatory spondylopathy.

Billing Considerations

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

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M46.88 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation
  • Include any relevant imaging and laboratory results that confirm the inflammatory nature of the condition

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M46.88 When
  • Exclude conditions that do not meet the criteria for inflammatory spondylopathies

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 indication for the procedure, including the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Rheumatologists should ensure that the procedure is justified based on 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 inflammatory spondylopathies, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. M46.88 provides a distinct code for conditions that may have previously been grouped under broader categories, enhancing the ability to analyze treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

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 tracking. M46.88 provides a distinct code for conditions that may have previously been grouped under broader categories, enhancing the ability to analyze treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of inflammatory spondylopathies, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. M46.88 provides a distinct code for conditions that may have previously been grouped under broader categories, enhancing the ability to analyze treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

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 conditions are included under M46.88?

M46.88 includes various inflammatory spondylopathies affecting the sacral and sacrococcygeal regions, excluding those specifically classified under other codes like ankylosing spondylitis.