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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesLumbar Herniated Disc

Lumbar Herniated Disc

ICD-10 Coding for Lumbar Herniated Disc(M51.16, M51.26)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYNeurology/Neurosurgery
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Lumbar Herniated Disc?
Essential facts and insights about Lumbar Herniated Disc

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Lower back pain radiating to the legs
  • Numbness or tingling in the lower extremities
  • Muscle weakness in the legs
  • Positive straight leg raise test
  • MRI or CT findings of disc herniation

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Patient history including onset and duration of symptoms
  • Physical examination findings related to neurological deficits
  • Imaging results confirming herniation
  • Treatment plan and response to previous treatments

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Use M51.26 for lumbar disc displacement without myelopathy; M51.27 for lumbosacral region.
  • Common errors include using incorrect codes for non-specific back pain.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Excludes: Spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis
  • Alternative codes: M54.5 for low back pain without herniation

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
M51.26
Other intervertebral disc displacement, lumbar region
M51.27
Other intervertebral disc displacement, lumbosacral region
Differential Codes
M51.26
M51.16

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Neurology/Neurosurgery

Specialty Applications

  • Adults aged 30-60 years
  • Patients with a history of heavy lifting or trauma
  • Clinical settings: outpatient neurology and neurosurgery clinics

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements?

Include detailed patient history, physical exam findings, and imaging results.

Billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding to reflect the severity and location of the herniation.