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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM48.07

M48.07

Billable

Spinal stenosis, lumbosacral region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M48.07 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of spinal stenosis, lumbosacral region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Spinal stenosis in the lumbosacral region refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back, which can lead to compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots. This condition often results from degenerative changes associated with aging, such as osteoarthritis, disc herniation, or thickening of ligaments. Patients may present with symptoms including lower back pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the legs, which can be exacerbated by prolonged standing or walking. The diagnosis is typically confirmed through imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, which reveal the extent of the stenosis and any associated structural changes. Treatment options may range from conservative management, including physical therapy and pain management, to surgical interventions like laminectomy or spinal fusion, depending on the severity of symptoms and the degree of stenosis. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the patient's condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between types of spinal stenosis (e.g., congenital vs. acquired)
  • Identifying associated conditions such as spondylolisthesis or disc herniation
  • Understanding the impact of comorbidities like ankylosing spondylitis
  • Navigating documentation requirements for imaging studies

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and functional limitations
  • Failure to specify the level of stenosis
  • Misclassification of the type of stenosis
  • Lack of imaging results in the medical record

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports and pre-operative assessments are necessary.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with severe pain and neurological deficits requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all imaging studies and conservative treatments are documented to justify surgical necessity.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive neurological evaluations and follow-up assessments are critical.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with chronic pain and neurological symptoms requiring non-surgical management.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the patient's functional status and response to conservative treatments is essential for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M48.07 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the condition is confirmed by clinical documentation
  • Include any relevant imaging findings and specify the level of stenosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M48.07 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

63030CPT Code

Laminectomy, lumbar

Clinical Scenario

Used for surgical treatment of lumbosacral spinal stenosis.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the severity of stenosis and any neurological deficits.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spinal conditions, improving the ability to capture the complexity of spinal stenosis and its associated conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spinal conditions, improving the ability to capture the complexity of spinal stenosis and its associated conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spinal conditions, improving the ability to capture the complexity of spinal stenosis and its associated 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 are the common symptoms of lumbosacral spinal stenosis?

Common symptoms include lower back pain, leg pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness, particularly when standing or walking.

How is lumbosacral spinal stenosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans.

What treatment options are available for spinal stenosis?

Treatment may include physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgical interventions like laminectomy or spinal fusion.