M46.35

Billable

Infection of intervertebral disc (pyogenic), thoracolumbar region

HCC Category Mapping

V28HCC 92 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis

0.209

V24HCC 39 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis

0.482

ESRDHCC 39 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis

0.000

What This Code Means

A bacterial infection of the intervertebral disc located at the junction between the mid-back and lower back (thoracolumbar region).

Coding Tips

•Thoracolumbar region spans T12-L1; confirm this is the documented location
•Document any associated symptoms like back pain or neurological deficits

Clinical Significance

Thoracolumbar junction discitis presents unique challenges due to the biomechanical stress at this spinal transition zone and potential for both thoracic and lumbar complications. This location often experiences delayed healing and may require prolonged treatment courses.

Documentation Requirements

✓Specific thoracolumbar junction location (T12-L1)
✓Pyogenic bacterial infection confirmation
✓MRI findings showing disc space enhancement and edema
✓Assessment of lumbar lordosis and thoracic alignment
✓Neurological examination of both thoracic and lumbar distributions
✓Inflammatory marker trends during treatment
✓Any associated paraspinal muscle involvement
✓Functional mobility assessment

Commonly Confused Codes

M46.34 — Thoracic region when infection purely thoracic M46.36 — Lumbar region when infection purely lumbar M46.55 — Other infective spondylopathies same region when non-bacterial M43.27 — Fusion of spine, lumbosacral region when describing treatment outcome

Code Hierarchy

└M46Other inflammatory spondylopathies └M46.3Infection of intervertebral disc (pyogenic)└M46.35Infection of intervertebral disc (pyogenic), thoracolumbar region

└M46.35Infection of intervertebral disc (pyogenic), thoracolumbar region