Other spondylosis, lumbar region

This code signifies a degenerative condition affecting the lumbar spine, characterized by changes such as osteophytes (bone spurs), disc degeneration, and facet joint arthritis, which are not specified as myelopathy or radiculopathy. It represents a general "other" category for spondylosis in the lower back when more specific classifications are not documented.

Apply this code when documentation indicates lumbar spondylosis without neurological involvement (myelopathy or radiculopathy) and the specific type of spondylosis (e.g., with disc degeneration, with instability) is not further detailed. This code is appropriate for chronic low back pain attributed to degenerative changes of the lumbar spine.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "lumbar region" and does not specify myelopathy or radiculopathy, which would require a more specific code.
• Avoid using this code if the provider documents specific types of spondylosis, such as ankylosing spondylitis or diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), which have their own distinct codes.
• Always sequence this code after any acute conditions or primary reasons for the encounter, unless the spondylosis is the primary diagnosis.