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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM48.54

M48.54

Billable

Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, thoracic region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M48.54 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, thoracic region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Collapsed vertebrae in the thoracic region can occur due to various underlying conditions, including trauma, osteoporosis, or malignancy. This condition is characterized by the loss of structural integrity of the vertebra, leading to a decrease in height and potential spinal deformities. In the context of spondylopathies, such as ankylosing spondylitis, inflammation can lead to vertebral collapse due to chronic stress and structural changes in the spine. Additionally, spinal stenosis may contribute to vertebral collapse by causing increased pressure on the vertebrae, leading to fractures or deformities. Inflammatory spine conditions can also exacerbate the risk of vertebral collapse due to the weakening of bone structures. Accurate diagnosis often requires imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, to assess the extent of the collapse and any associated conditions. Treatment may involve pain management, physical therapy, or surgical intervention, depending on the severity and underlying cause of the collapse.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between types of vertebral collapse (traumatic vs. pathological)
  • Understanding the underlying conditions contributing to the collapse
  • Documentation of associated symptoms and clinical findings
  • Need for imaging studies to confirm diagnosis

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the cause of collapse
  • Failure to document associated conditions
  • Misclassification of vertebral collapse type
  • Lack of imaging results in the medical record

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed imaging reports, clinical notes on physical examination, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with back pain, history of trauma, or chronic inflammatory conditions.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant imaging studies are included in the documentation to support the diagnosis.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history of inflammatory conditions, lab results, and treatment response.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis or other inflammatory spine diseases presenting with vertebral collapse.

Billing Considerations

Document the progression of the disease and any treatments that may affect bone density.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M48.54 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding and reporting, ensuring that the code is used only when the vertebral collapse is not classified elsewhere
  • Document the specific thoracic vertebra involved and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M48.54 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22551CPT Code

Vertebroplasty

Clinical Scenario

Used for treating vertebral compression fractures.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure and imaging findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure that the procedure is justified based on the patient's clinical presentation.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vertebral conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M48.54 provides a distinct code for thoracic vertebral collapse, enhancing the granularity of patient data.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vertebral conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M48.54 provides a distinct code for thoracic vertebral collapse, enhancing the granularity of patient data.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. M48.54 provides a distinct code for thoracic vertebral collapse, enhancing the granularity of patient data.

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 a collapsed vertebra?

Common causes include osteoporosis, trauma, malignancy, and chronic inflammatory conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis.

How is a collapsed vertebra diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies like X-rays or MRIs to assess the extent of the collapse and any associated conditions.