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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM48.56

M48.56

Billable

Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, lumbar region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M48.56 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, lumbar region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Collapsed vertebrae in the lumbar 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 instability of the spine. Inflammatory spine conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis, can also contribute to vertebral collapse due to chronic inflammation and subsequent weakening of the vertebral bodies. Spondylopathies, which encompass a range of spinal disorders, may lead to vertebral collapse through degenerative changes or inflammatory processes. Spinal stenosis, characterized by narrowing of the spinal canal, can exacerbate symptoms associated with vertebral collapse by increasing pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Accurate diagnosis and coding require a thorough understanding of the patient's clinical history, imaging findings, and the specific etiology of the vertebral collapse, as treatment options may vary significantly based on the underlying cause.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between traumatic and pathological causes of vertebral collapse.
  • Understanding the relationship between inflammatory spine conditions and vertebral integrity.
  • Identifying co-existing conditions that may complicate the diagnosis.
  • Navigating the nuances of coding for lumbar versus other spinal regions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the cause of vertebral collapse.
  • Failure to specify the lumbar region in the documentation.
  • Misclassification of the condition as a traumatic injury when it is pathological.
  • Lack of imaging studies to support the diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed imaging reports, clinical notes on the mechanism of injury or onset of symptoms, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Orthopedic documentation must clearly outline the relationship between the vertebral collapse and any surgical interventions planned.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history of inflammatory conditions, laboratory results, and imaging studies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis presenting with new onset back pain or neurological symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Rheumatology notes should emphasize the inflammatory nature of the condition and its impact on vertebral stability.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M48.56 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M48
  • 56 should be used when the vertebral collapse is not classified elsewhere
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that the lumbar region is specified

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M48.56 When
  • Exclusion criteria include conditions that are specifically coded elsewhere

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22551CPT Code

Vertebroplasty

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of vertebral collapse due to osteoporosis.

Documentation Requirements

Pre-operative imaging and clinical notes justifying the procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the specific vertebrae involved and the reason for intervention.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like vertebral collapse, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M48.56 provides a distinct code for lumbar vertebral collapse, which was less clearly defined in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like vertebral collapse, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M48.56 provides a distinct code for lumbar vertebral collapse, which was less clearly defined in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. M48.56 provides a distinct code for lumbar vertebral collapse, which was less clearly defined in ICD-9.

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 primary cause of a collapsed vertebra?

The primary causes of a collapsed vertebra include osteoporosis, trauma, malignancy, and inflammatory conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis. Each cause may require different management strategies.