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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM48.062

M48.062

Billable

Spinal stenosis, lumbar region with neurogenic claudication

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M48.062 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of spinal stenosis, lumbar region with neurogenic claudication.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Spinal stenosis in the lumbar region is characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can lead to compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots. This condition often results from degenerative changes associated with aging, such as osteoarthritis, disc herniation, or spondylolisthesis. Neurogenic claudication is a hallmark symptom of lumbar spinal stenosis, presenting as pain, cramping, or weakness in the legs, which typically worsens with walking or prolonged standing and improves with sitting or bending forward. Patients may also experience numbness or tingling in the lower extremities. The diagnosis is often confirmed through imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, which reveal the degree of stenosis and any associated structural abnormalities. Treatment options may include conservative management with physical therapy and medications, or surgical interventions such as laminectomy or spinal fusion, depending on the severity of symptoms and the impact on the patient's quality of life.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between types of spinal stenosis (e.g., congenital vs. acquired)
  • Identifying the presence of neurogenic claudication versus vascular claudication
  • Understanding the implications of associated conditions like spondylolisthesis
  • Navigating documentation requirements for imaging studies

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of neurogenic claudication symptoms
  • Failure to provide imaging results that support the diagnosis
  • Misclassification of spinal stenosis type
  • Lack of documentation for conservative treatment attempts prior to surgery

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with lower back pain and leg symptoms, requiring surgical evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all surgical indications are well-documented, including conservative management attempts.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive neurological assessments, including sensory and motor evaluations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with chronic pain and neurological deficits related to spinal stenosis.

Billing Considerations

Document the neurological impact of symptoms and any diagnostic tests performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M48.062 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M48
  • 062 should be used when there is clear documentation of spinal stenosis in the lumbar region accompanied by neurogenic claudication
  • It is important to ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any relevant imaging studies are included

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M48.062 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

63030CPT Code

Laminectomy, lumbar

Clinical Scenario

Performed for decompression of the spinal canal due to stenosis.

Documentation Requirements

Pre-operative assessment, imaging results, and surgical consent.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the rationale for surgical intervention.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spinal conditions, including the differentiation of spinal stenosis with and without neurogenic claudication. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spinal conditions, including the differentiation of spinal stenosis with and without neurogenic claudication. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spinal conditions, including the differentiation of spinal stenosis with and without neurogenic claudication. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

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 the difference between M48.061 and M48.062?

M48.061 refers to spinal stenosis in the lumbar region without neurogenic claudication, while M48.062 includes the presence of neurogenic claudication, which is characterized by leg pain and discomfort during physical activity.