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

ICD-10 Coding for Lumbar Disc Bulge

M51.26
M51.A1

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

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

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

Use ICD-10 code M51.26 for other intervertebral disc displacement, lumbar region, ensuring proper documentation in clinical notes.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Other intervertebral disc displacement, lumbar region

Billable Code
M51.26
Billable

Diagnostic Criteria

clinical:
  • • MRI confirms intact annulus fibrosus
documentation:
  • • Document absence of nerve compression

Applicable To

  • • Lumbar disc bulge without herniation

Important Notes

  • • Ensure imaging confirms intact annulus to avoid misclassification.

Annular tear of lumbar disc, small defect

Billable Code
M51.A1
Billable

Diagnostic Criteria

clinical:
  • • Post-operative MRI showing defect size <6mm

Applicable To

  • • Small annular defect post-discectomy

Important Notes

  • • Ensure accurate measurement of defect size.
Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that may be used with this diagnosis

M54.16

Radiculopathy, lumbar region

Use when radiculopathy is present alongside disc bulge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for lumbar disc bulge?

The ICD-10 code for lumbar disc bulge is M51.26, which is used for intervertebral disc displacement in the lumbar region without herniation.

How is lumbar disc bulge documented?

Document lumbar disc bulge with MRI confirmation showing intact annulus and correlate symptoms like radiculopathy with imaging findings.

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