If you’ve been diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis and experience leg pain or weakness when walking, you may have a condition known as neurogenic claudication. The correct ICD-10 code for this specific diagnosis is M48.062.
Here’s everything you need to know about what it means, why it matters, and how it affects your treatment or billing process.
What is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis with Neurogenic Claudication?
Visual representation of lumbar spinal stenosis with nerve compression causing neurogenic claudication (ICD-10: M48.062).
Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal narrows and compresses the nerves. When this occurs in the lumbar (lower back) region, it often leads to a particular symptom called neurogenic claudication — a cramping or aching sensation in the legs triggered by walking or standing and relieved by sitting or bending forward.
What is ICD-10 Code M48.062?
M48.062 is the official ICD-10-CM code used to document and bill for the diagnosis of spinal stenosis in the lumbar region with neurogenic claudication.
Here’s a simplified breakdown:
| ICD-10 Code | Description | Region |
|---|---|---|
| M48.062 | Spinal stenosis, lumbar region with neurogenic claudication | Lower back |
DRG Groupings (MS-DRG v39.0):
- 551 – Medical back problems with MCC (Major Complication/Comorbidity)
- 552 – Medical back problems without MCC
This code is billable and specific, meaning it can be used on medical claims for reimbursement purposes.
ICD-10 Hierarchy for This Condition
ICD codes are organized into logical groups. Here’s how M48.062 fits into the bigger structure:
- M00–M99 – Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
- M48.0 – Spinal stenosis
- M48.062 – Spinal stenosis, lumbar region with neurogenic claudication
Knowing the hierarchy helps healthcare professionals ensure accurate diagnosis coding, and helps patients better understand the technical language used in their health records.
Why Should Patients Must Know This Code?
While ICD-10 codes are primarily used by physicians, hospitals, and insurance providers, patients can benefit from knowing the exact diagnosis code, especially for:
- Understanding your condition
- Verifying insurance claims
- Researching treatment options
- Communicating clearly with multiple providers
If you’re being treated for back pain and symptoms suggest spinal stenosis with leg weakness or discomfort when walking, ask your doctor whether M48.062 is the correct code on your record.
Also, if you suffer from back pain issues, knowing the upper back pain ICD 10 code, ICD 10 code for sciatica right side, or stenosis lumbar region with neurogenic claudication ICD 10 code can be very helpful.
Related ICD-10 Codes You Might Encounter
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| M48.061 | Spinal stenosis, thoracic region with neurogenic claudication |
| M48.069 | Spinal stenosis, other region with neurogenic claudication |
| M54.5 | Low back pain |
| M54.2 | Cervicalgia (neck pain) |
These may appear on your health records depending on where the pain or compression is located.
FAQ: ICD-10 and Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Q: What does M48.062 mean?
A: It refers to a specific diagnosis: spinal stenosis in the lumbar spine that causes neurogenic claudication — usually experienced as leg pain or weakness.
Q: Is neurogenic claudication the same as spinal stenosis?
A: Not exactly. Spinal stenosis is the condition, and neurogenic claudication is a symptom that occurs when spinal nerves are compressed.
Q: Is lumbar spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication serious?
A: It can become serious if left untreated. While some patients improve with physical therapy or injections, others may need surgery.
Q: Can I use M48.062 for insurance claims and medical records?
A: Yes. It’s a billable and specific ICD-10-CM code used for medical reimbursement.
Managing Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
If you’ve been diagnosed with spinal stenosis and are experiencing leg pain, don’t wait. While M48.062 helps your doctor document your condition, you can take action today to start managing symptoms.
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Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or a qualified health provider before starting any treatment or making healthcare decisions.
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