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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM42.15

M42.15

Billable

Adult osteochondrosis of spine, thoracolumbar region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M42.15 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of adult osteochondrosis of spine, thoracolumbar region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Adult osteochondrosis of the thoracolumbar spine is a degenerative condition characterized by the deterioration of the intervertebral discs and vertebral bodies in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine. This condition often manifests as pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, which can lead to significant functional impairment. Osteochondrosis is typically associated with age-related changes, repetitive stress, or trauma, and may result in spinal deformities such as scoliosis, kyphosis, or lordosis. Patients may experience radicular symptoms due to nerve root compression, and imaging studies often reveal disc degeneration, osteophyte formation, and potential spinal canal narrowing. Treatment options may include conservative management such as physical therapy and pain management, or surgical interventions like spinal fusion to stabilize the affected segments. Accurate coding for M42.15 requires thorough documentation of the clinical presentation, imaging findings, and any associated spinal deformities.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between various types of spinal deformities (scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis)
  • Documenting the specific location and severity of osteochondrosis
  • Understanding the relationship between osteochondrosis and potential surgical interventions
  • Navigating the nuances of associated conditions and their impact on treatment

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the exact spinal region affected
  • Lack of correlation between diagnosis and treatment provided
  • Misclassification of spinal deformities

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and pre-operative assessments are essential.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic back pain, radiculopathy, or requiring surgical intervention for spinal stabilization.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly outline the rationale for surgical procedures and any associated spinal deformities.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive evaluations including functional assessments and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing rehabilitation for pain management and mobility improvement post-diagnosis.

Billing Considerations

Focus on documenting the impact of osteochondrosis on daily activities and rehabilitation goals.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M42.15 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M42
  • 15 should be used when the clinical documentation supports a diagnosis of adult osteochondrosis specifically in the thoracolumbar region

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M42.15 When
  • Exclusions include conditions that are not degenerative in nature or do not affect the thoracolumbar spine

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22612CPT Code

Spinal fusion, lumbar

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases where osteochondrosis leads to instability requiring surgical intervention.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure, indications, and any pre-existing conditions.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the rationale for fusion and any associated deformities.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteochondrosis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M42.15 provides a clear distinction for thoracolumbar involvement, which is crucial for treatment planning and outcomes assessment.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteochondrosis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M42.15 provides a clear distinction for thoracolumbar involvement, which is crucial for treatment planning and outcomes assessment.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. M42.15 provides a clear distinction for thoracolumbar involvement, which is crucial for treatment planning and outcomes assessment.

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 M42.15?

Common symptoms include chronic back pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and potential radicular symptoms due to nerve root compression.

How is M42.15 diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, and assessment of functional impairment.

What treatments are associated with M42.15?

Treatment options may include conservative management like physical therapy and pain management, or surgical interventions such as spinal fusion.