M54.9 – Dorsalgia, Unspecified
Explore the M54.9 ICD-10-CM code for unspecified dorsalgia, its clinical description, synonyms, related codes, and FAQs about back pain diagnosis.
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M54.9 Diagnosis Code: Dorsalgia, Unspecified
- M54.9 is an ICD-10-CM code for diagnosing unspecified dorsalgia, which refers to back pain without a specified underlying cause or location.
- Dorsalgia is a general term for pain or discomfort in the dorsal (back) region.
- It can affect any part of the back, including the cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), and lumbar (lower back) regions.
- The pain can range from mild to severe and may be acute or chronic.
- Common causes of dorsalgia include muscle strain, ligament sprain, spinal misalignment, disc degeneration, and nerve compression.
- Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, patient history, and imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs.
Is M54.9 Billable?
Yes, M54.9 is a billable ICD-10-CM code that can indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
Clinical Information
- Dorsalgia is a common complaint, with many individuals experiencing back pain at some point.
- Poor posture, a sedentary lifestyle, and improper lifting techniques are common risk factors for back pain.
- Conservative treatment options for dorsalgia include physical therapy, pain medication, hot/cold therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
- In some cases, more invasive treatments, such as injections or surgery, may be necessary if conservative measures fail to provide relief.
- Early intervention and proper management of dorsalgia can help prevent chronic pain and disability.
Synonyms Include
- Unspecified back pain
- Backache, unspecified
- Back discomfort
- Generalized back pain
- Non-specific dorsalgia
Other ICD-10 Codes Commonly Used for Dorsalgia
- M54.2: Cervicalgia
- M54.5: Low back pain
- M54.6: Pain in thoracic spine
- M54.30: Sciatica, unspecified side
- M54.31: Sciatica, right side
- M54.32: Sciatica, left side
- M54.41: Lumbago with sciatica, right side
- M54.42: Lumbago with sciatica, left side
- M54.89: Other dorsalgia
- M53.3: Sacrococcygeal disorders, not elsewhere classified
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Commonly asked questions
M54.9 refers to unspecified dorsalgia or back pain without a specified underlying cause or location, while M54.5 refers explicitly to low back pain.
Yes, M54.9 is a billable code that can be used for both inpatient and outpatient medical settings to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
Documentation should include a clear description of the patient's symptoms, any known contributing factors, and additional information necessary to support the diagnosis and treatment plan.
