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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM46.98

M46.98

Billable

Unspecified inflammatory spondylopathy, sacral and sacrococcygeal region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M46.98 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified inflammatory spondylopathy, sacral and sacrococcygeal region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

M46.98 refers to unspecified inflammatory spondylopathy affecting the sacral and sacrococcygeal region. This condition encompasses a range of inflammatory diseases that primarily affect the spine, leading to pain, stiffness, and potential deformity. Inflammatory spondylopathies include conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, which is characterized by chronic inflammation of the spine and the sacroiliac joints, often resulting in fusion of the vertebrae. The sacral and sacrococcygeal region is particularly significant as it can influence mobility and overall quality of life. Patients may present with symptoms such as lower back pain, reduced spinal mobility, and discomfort in the pelvic area. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laboratory tests to rule out other conditions. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate management and reimbursement, as well as for tracking the epidemiology of these conditions.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Need for differential diagnosis to rule out other spondylopathies
  • Potential overlap with other inflammatory conditions
  • Documentation requirements for specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Lack of imaging studies to support diagnosis
  • Inconsistent use of terminology in medical records
  • Failure to document treatment plans and responses

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic back pain, stiffness, and a family history of inflammatory arthritis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of inflammatory markers and response to treatment.

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of spinal mobility, imaging studies, and surgical notes if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with severe spinal deformities or those requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Document the rationale for surgical procedures and any pre-existing conditions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M46.98 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used when the specific type of inflammatory spondylopathy is not documented

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M46.98 When
  • Exclude conditions that are more specifically defined under other codes

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

72100CPT Code

Radiologic examination, spine, entire, including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar

Clinical Scenario

Used for initial evaluation of suspected inflammatory spondylopathy.

Documentation Requirements

Radiology report and clinical notes indicating the need for imaging.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the imaging correlates with the clinical findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of inflammatory spondylopathies, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M46.98 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders are encouraged to seek specificity.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of inflammatory spondylopathies, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M46.98 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders are encouraged to seek specificity.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. M46.98 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders are encouraged to seek specificity.

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

When should I use M46.98 instead of a more specific code?

Use M46.98 when the specific type of inflammatory spondylopathy is not documented or when the clinical picture does not fit any specific diagnosis.