Discitis, unspecified, lumbosacral region

This code signifies inflammation of an intervertebral disc in the lumbosacral region, without further specification of its cause (e.g., infectious, non-infectious). It represents a general diagnosis of disc inflammation affecting the lower back and sacrum.

Use this code when documentation indicates discitis localized to the lumbosacral spine, but the etiology (e.g., bacterial, autoimmune, post-surgical) is not specified by the provider. This is appropriate for initial diagnoses or when the specific cause remains undetermined after workup.

• Do not use if the documentation specifies an infectious organism; instead, code to a more specific discitis code from categories M46.2-M46.3.
• Ensure the documentation clearly states "lumbosacral region" or a specific lumbar/sacral disc level.
• Consider sequencing this code after any underlying systemic conditions that may contribute to discitis, if applicable and documented.