M54.50 – Low back pain, unspecified

M54.50 Diagnosis Code: Low back pain, unspecified 

Clinical Description

• The M54.50 ICD 10 code denotes "Low back pain, unspecified." This label is employed when a patient presents with low back pain, but the clinician has not yet identified a specific condition or disorder that is causing the pain.
• "Unspecified" means that while the patient is experiencing symptoms, the exact cause or nature of the condition is not yet determined. This can often be the case with back pain, as it can have a variety of causes, and the specific cause may not be immediately clear.
• While "low back pain" is a relatively broad term, it is understood to refer to pain located in the lower back area, roughly between the bottom of the rib cage and the top of the legs. It does not include hip pain or upper back or neck pain.
• The pain can be chronic (long-lasting) or acute (sudden and severe). It can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp sensation that leaves the person incapacitated.
• Potential causes of low back pain could include muscle or ligament strain, disc problems, arthritis, skeletal irregularities, or osteoporosis, among other conditions. However, with the M54.50 code, these specific causes still need to be identified.
• The M54.50 code can be used in both inpatient and outpatient settings, depending on the healthcare provider's judgment.
• A more specific code might be chosen once the clinician has gathered more information or if the patient's condition evolves.

Is M54.50 Billable?

Yes, M54.50 is a billable code. It's used to specify a medical diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. However, remember that the code's applicability can depend on several factors, including the patient's condition and the medical provider's judgment.

Clinical Information

• M54.50, or ICD 10 M54.50, refers to pain experienced in the lumbar region, often without a known cause.
• It's a widespread issue, affecting individuals of all age groups but particularly prevalent in adults.
• The pain can vary from mild to severe and can be acute or chronic.
• This diagnosis doesn't attribute the pain to a specific underlying condition.
• Icd10 M54.50 is often used at the beginning of treatment before establishing a more detailed diagnosis.

Synonyms Include:

• Lumbago
• Low back syndrome
• Chronic low back pain
• Low back pain without sciatica
• Pain in lumbar region

Other ICD-10 Codes Commonly Used for Low back pain

• M54.16: Low back pain with sciatica
• M54.41: Lumbago with sciatica, right side
• M54.42: Lumbago with sciatica, left side
• M51.26: Other intervertebral disc displacement, lumbar region
• M51.27: Other intervertebral disc displacement, lumbosacral region
• M54.5: Low back pain
• M53.3: Sacrococcygeal disorders, not elsewhere classified
• M48.06: Spinal stenosis, lumbar region