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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM46.05

M46.05

Billable

Spinal enthesopathy, thoracolumbar region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M46.05 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of spinal enthesopathy, thoracolumbar region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Spinal enthesopathy refers to a condition characterized by inflammation at the sites where tendons and ligaments attach to the vertebrae in the thoracolumbar region of the spine. This condition can be associated with various inflammatory spine diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis, which is a type of spondyloarthritis that primarily affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints. Patients may present with chronic back pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity. The thoracolumbar region is particularly susceptible to enthesopathy due to the mechanical stress placed on the spine during daily activities. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as MRI or X-rays, and laboratory tests to rule out other conditions. Treatment may include physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and in some cases, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or biologics. Understanding the underlying inflammatory processes and the patient's overall clinical picture is crucial for effective management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between enthesopathy and other spinal conditions
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of symptoms and history
  • Potential overlap with other inflammatory conditions
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on severity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the exact location of enthesopathy
  • Misdiagnosis due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions
  • Lack of imaging studies to support the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic back pain, stiffness, and a family history of autoimmune diseases.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that inflammatory markers and imaging studies are documented to support the diagnosis.

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of spinal alignment, mobility tests, and imaging studies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with mechanical back pain versus inflammatory back pain requiring differentiation.

Billing Considerations

Document any surgical interventions or referrals to rheumatology for comprehensive care.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M46.05 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation
  • Include any relevant imaging studies and laboratory results
  • The code M46
  • 05 should be used when the enthesopathy is specifically located in the thoracolumbar region, and other conditions should be ruled out

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M46.05 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits for patients with spinal enthesopathy.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's history, examination findings, and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Rheumatologists should ensure that inflammatory markers are included in the documentation.

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 spinal enthesopathy, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better patient management and research outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like spinal enthesopathy, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better patient management and research outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like spinal enthesopathy, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better patient management and research outcomes.

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 spinal enthesopathy?

Spinal enthesopathy is an inflammatory condition affecting the attachment points of tendons and ligaments to the vertebrae, often associated with spondyloarthritis.

How is spinal enthesopathy diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laboratory tests to rule out other conditions.

What treatments are available for spinal enthesopathy?

Treatment may include physical therapy, NSAIDs, and in some cases, DMARDs or biologics, depending on the severity of the condition.