M46.36

Billable

Infection of intervertebral disc (pyogenic), lumbar 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 disc between vertebrae in the lower back (lumbar spine), which can cause pain and mobility issues.

Coding Tips

•Lumbar region is the most common site for discitis; verify specific level if documented (L1-L5)
•Check for associated conditions like osteomyelitis or epidural abscess

Clinical Significance

Lumbar discitis is the most common location for spinal disc infections and can significantly impact mobility and function. The lumbar region's high mechanical stress and load-bearing function make recovery challenging and may require extended treatment periods.

Documentation Requirements

✓Lumbar spine location specification (L1-L5)
✓Bacterial culture confirmation or high clinical suspicion
✓Imaging showing disc space narrowing and enhancement
✓Assessment of lumbar lordosis and sagittal alignment
✓Lower extremity neurological examination
✓Functional disability measures
✓Response to weight-bearing restrictions
✓Duration of symptoms and antibiotic treatment

Commonly Confused Codes

M46.37 — Lumbosacral region when infection involves L5-S1 M46.56 — Other infective spondylopathies, lumbar when non-pyogenic M51.36 — Lumbar disc degeneration when degenerative rather than infectious M54.5 — Low back pain when pain is primary symptom without infection

Code Hierarchy

└M46Other inflammatory spondylopathies └M46.3Infection of intervertebral disc (pyogenic)└M46.36Infection of intervertebral disc (pyogenic), lumbar region

└M46.36Infection of intervertebral disc (pyogenic), lumbar region