ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM48.37

M48.37

Billable

Traumatic spondylopathy, lumbosacral region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M48.37 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of traumatic spondylopathy, lumbosacral region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Traumatic spondylopathy in the lumbosacral region refers to a condition resulting from trauma that affects the vertebrae in the lower back, specifically the lumbar and sacral areas. This condition can arise from various types of injuries, including falls, motor vehicle accidents, or sports-related incidents. The trauma may lead to structural changes in the vertebrae, resulting in pain, inflammation, and potential neurological deficits due to compression of spinal nerves. Clinically, patients may present with localized pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the lower back. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or MRI, is often utilized to assess the extent of the injury and rule out other conditions such as fractures or herniated discs. Management typically involves conservative treatment options like physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary if there is significant nerve compression or instability. Understanding the nuances of traumatic spondylopathy is crucial for accurate coding and appropriate treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between traumatic and non-traumatic spondylopathies
  • Identifying the specific lumbosacral region affected
  • Understanding associated conditions like spinal stenosis or ankylosing spondylitis
  • Documenting the mechanism of injury accurately

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the affected vertebrae
  • Misclassification of the type of spondylopathy
  • Lack of imaging reports to support the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the mechanism of injury, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with lower back pain following trauma, requiring surgical evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of any neurological deficits and the specific vertebrae involved.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of functional limitations and rehabilitation goals.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing rehabilitation post-trauma to improve mobility and reduce pain.

Billing Considerations

Document progress notes meticulously to support ongoing treatment and coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M48.37 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M48
  • 37 should be used when the spondylopathy is directly linked to a traumatic event
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that the injury is not due to degenerative or inflammatory conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M48.37 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

20610CPT Code

Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection into a major joint or bursa

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient with traumatic spondylopathy requires joint injection for pain management.

Documentation Requirements

Document the need for the procedure and the specific joint involved.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure that the procedure is justified based on 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 traumatic spondylopathy, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. This specificity aids in better tracking of outcomes and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of traumatic spondylopathy, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. This specificity aids in better tracking of outcomes and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of traumatic spondylopathy, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. This specificity aids in better tracking of 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 primary cause of traumatic spondylopathy?

The primary cause of traumatic spondylopathy is an injury to the spine resulting from trauma, such as falls, accidents, or sports injuries.

How is traumatic spondylopathy diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI.

What are the treatment options for traumatic spondylopathy?

Treatment may include physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgical intervention if there is significant nerve compression.