Which ICD-10-CM code corresponds to a herniated lumbar intervertebral disk?

Which ICD-10-CM code corresponds to a herniated lumbar intervertebral disk?

• A. M54.26
• B. M47.1
• C. M53.0
• D. M51.26

Answer: (D)

Think about where the problem is and whether nerve root symptoms are present. A herniated lumbar intervertebral disk falls under disorders of the intervertebral discs, with the site specified as the lumbar region. If radiculopathy (nerve root symptoms) is present, the code includes that qualifier. The code for the lumbar region with radiculopathy due to disc displacement precisely matches a herniated lumbar disk with nerve root involvement. The other codes point to different conditions: generic back pain in the lumbar area, a degenerative spinal condition, or a cervical problem, none of which describe a lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy. If radiculopathy weren’t present, a different lumbar disc code would apply, but with radiculopathy this is the best fit.

Think about where the problem is and whether nerve root symptoms are present. A herniated lumbar intervertebral disk falls under disorders of the intervertebral discs, with the site specified as the lumbar region. If radiculopathy (nerve root symptoms) is present, the code includes that qualifier. The code for the lumbar region with radiculopathy due to disc displacement precisely matches a herniated lumbar disk with nerve root involvement. The other codes point to different conditions: generic back pain in the lumbar area, a degenerative spinal condition, or a cervical problem, none of which describe a lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy. If radiculopathy weren’t present, a different lumbar disc code would apply, but with radiculopathy this is the best fit.