ICD-10 Lumbar Radiculopathy | Right Leg, Left Leg, DDD, Stenosis

Definition

Lumbar radiculopathy, often known as sciatica, is a disorder in which one or more of the spinal nerves in the lower back (lumbar region) that travel to the legs are compressed or irritated. A herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease are just a few examples of conditions that can cause this compression or irritation, which can result in pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or soreness in the lower back, buttocks, legs, or feet. In extreme circumstances, lumbar radiculopathy may require surgery in addition to physical therapy, medication, and injections.

Diagnostic Procedures

A neurosurgeon or physician would normally undertake a full medical history and physical examination to identify lumbar radiculopathy. This exam will typically include manual muscle testing, sensory testing, and deep tendon reflexes. Imaging tests like MRI, X-ray, or CT scan are frequently performed to assess for nerve compression or herniated discs. Electromyography and nerve conduction exams are two additional diagnostic tools that may be utilized in the event that symptoms continue to manifest despite the administration of medication.

ICD-10 Codes for Lumbar Radiculopathy

Lumbar radiculopathy is classified under ICD-10 with the codes M54.16 and M54.17. Radiculopathy in the lumbar area is designated by the code M54.16, whereas radiculopathy in the lumbosacral area is designated by the code M54.17. Both conditions are classified as dorsopathies or spinal disorders. These codes can be used to request payment because they are billable.

ICD-10 Lumbar Radiculopathy with ddd

M51.16 is the ICD-10 code that is used to describe lumbar radiculopathy which is also associated with degenerative disc disease (DDD). This condition is classified as dorsopathy, which is an umbrella term for diseases that affect the spine. DDD is a disorder in which the intervertebral discs of the spine degenerate and cause discomfort. When it comes to coding for lumbar radiculopathy with DDD, the primary diagnosis would be G89.29 (other chronic pain), and the secondary diagnosis would be M51.16.

ICD-10 Lumbar Radiculopathy with stenosis

Lumbar radiculopathy with stenosis is represented by the ICD-10 code M48.06. This code relates to the condition known as spinal stenosis, in which the spinal canal becomes constricted and the nerves in the spine become compressed. Both M54.16 (radiculopathy, lumbar area) and M48.06 (spinal stenosis, lumbar region) may be needed when coding for lumbar radiculopathy with stenosis in order to completely characterize the disease.

Right or Left sided lumbar radiculopathy ICD-10

M54.16 is the ICD-10 code that is used to describe both right-sided and left-sided lumbar radiculopathy. This code is part of a group called dorsopathies, which are back problems. Although M54.16 already indicates the lumbar area, it is not essential to utilize a separate code to identify the side when coding for lumbar radiculopathy. But if sciatica is only on one side, a different code can be used to show which side is affected. For instance, M54.41 can be used to identify low back discomfort with right-sided sciatica.