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Home/Diagnosis/ICD-10 Coding for Bulging Disc Lumbar

ICD-10 Coding for Bulging Disc Lumbar

M51.A1
M51.A2
M51.36

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for icd-10 coding for bulging disc lumbar includes clinical validation requirements, medical necessity guidelines, and coding policies.

Also Known as:
Lumbar Disc Bulge
Lumbar Disc Protrusion
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Key Information: ICD-10 Coding for Bulging Disc Lumbar

Essential facts and insights about ICD-10 Coding for Bulging Disc Lumbar

Use ICD-10 code M51.A1 for intervertebral annulus fibrosus defect, small, lumbar region, ensuring proper documentation in clinical notes.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Intervertebral annulus fibrosus defect, small, lumbar region

Billable Code
M51.A1
Billable

Diagnostic Criteria

clinical:
  • • MRI shows annular defect <5 mm
documentation:
  • • No nerve compression documented

Applicable To

  • • Small annular tears <5 mm without nerve compression

Important Notes

  • • Ensure documentation specifies annular defect and size.

Intervertebral annulus fibrosus defect, large, lumbar region

Billable Code
M51.A2
Billable

Diagnostic Criteria

clinical:
  • • MRI showing large annular defect
documentation:
  • • Absence of herniation

Applicable To

  • • Defects ≥5 mm or involving >25% disc circumference

Important Notes

  • • Document defect size and absence of herniation.

Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region

Non-Billable
M51.36
Non-Billable

Diagnostic Criteria

clinical:
  • • Imaging showing diffuse bulging without focal herniation

Applicable To

  • • Age-related degeneration with diffuse bulging

Important Notes

  • • Ensure documentation of degenerative changes.
Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that may be used with this diagnosis

M54.5

Low back pain

Use if axial pain is present.

M54.42

Lumbago with sciatica, left side

Use if radicular symptoms are present.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for a bulging disc in the lumbar region?

The ICD-10 code for a bulging disc in the lumbar region is typically M51.A1 or M51.A2, depending on the size of the annular defect.

How do you differentiate between a bulging disc and a herniated disc?

A bulging disc is circumferential and often due to annular defects, while a herniated disc involves focal protrusion beyond the disc space.

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