ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesLumbar Herniated Disc With Radiculopathy

Lumbar Herniated Disc With Radiculopathy

ICD-10 Coding for Lumbar Herniated Disc with Radiculopathy(M51.16)

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

Diagnosis Overview

What is Lumbar Herniated Disc With Radiculopathy?
Essential facts and insights about Lumbar Herniated Disc with Radiculopathy

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
  • Symptoms exacerbated by sitting or bending

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Detailed patient history including onset and duration of symptoms
  • Results of imaging studies (MRI/CT) showing disc herniation
  • Neurological examination findings
  • Assessment of functional limitations

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Follow guidelines for distinguishing between radiculopathy and other lumbar conditions.
  • Common errors include incorrect coding of non-specific back pain.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Spinal stenosis
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Other specific lumbar disc disorders

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
M51.26
Other intervertebral disc displacement, lumbar region with radiculopathy
M54.16
Radiculopathy, lumbar region
Ancillary Codes
M54.5
Differential Codes
M54.16

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Neurology

Specialty Applications

  • Adults aged 30-60 years
  • Patients with a history of heavy lifting or trauma
  • Neurology and pain management 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

What are the documentation requirements?

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

What are the billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding based on documented symptoms and diagnostic tests.