Other infective spondylopathies
ICD-10 M46.5 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other infective spondylopathies.
Infective spondylopathies refer to inflammatory conditions of the spine caused by infectious agents, which can lead to significant morbidity if not diagnosed and treated promptly. M46.5 encompasses various forms of spondylitis that are not classified under more specific categories, such as ankylosing spondylitis or other known infections. These conditions may arise from bacterial, viral, or fungal infections and can present with symptoms such as localized pain, fever, and neurological deficits due to spinal cord involvement. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, and laboratory tests to identify the causative organism. Treatment often includes antibiotics or antifungal medications, along with supportive care. The complexity of coding for infective spondylopathies lies in the need for precise documentation of the infectious agent, the extent of spinal involvement, and any associated complications, which can vary significantly among patients.
Detailed history of symptoms, laboratory results, and imaging studies.
Patients presenting with back pain, fever, and elevated inflammatory markers.
Ensure clear documentation of infectious etiology and response to treatment.
Identification of the pathogen, treatment regimen, and follow-up results.
Patients with known infections presenting with spinal symptoms.
Document the relationship between the infection and spinal symptoms clearly.
Used to evaluate suspected infective spondylopathy.
Indication for MRI must be clearly documented.
Rheumatology and Infectious Disease specialists should ensure imaging correlates with clinical findings.
Common causes include bacterial infections such as staphylococcus, tuberculosis, and fungal infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
Differentiation is based on clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and imaging studies that reveal infectious processes such as abscesses or significant inflammation.
