Oth intvrt disc degen, lum rgn w discog bck & lw extrm pain

This diagnosis code signifies degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine, specifically when these changes are the source of both back pain originating from the disc (discogenic pain) and radiating pain into the lower extremities. It indicates a symptomatic disc pathology affecting both the axial and appendicular skeleton.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates lumbar disc degeneration as the etiology of the patient's back pain, explicitly stating it is "discogenic," and also describes associated pain radiating into one or both lower extremities. This typically follows imaging findings (e.g., MRI) confirming disc degeneration and clinical correlation of symptoms.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "discogenic" back pain; general low back pain due to degeneration is insufficient.
• Verify that lower extremity pain is explicitly linked to the lumbar disc pathology, not a separate condition.
• Do not use for radiculopathy without documented discogenic back pain.