Answer :
The ICD-10 code for chronic bilateral low back pain without sciatica falls under the broader category of low back pain, specifically known as lumbago.
Chronic low back pain (LBP) is defined as pain that persists for more than three months.
Relevant Information about Chronic Low Back Pain:
Definition: Chronic pain is characterized by persistent or recurrent pain beyond the usual course of acute illness or injury. It may occur without observable tissue damage or identifiable cause.
Prevalence: It is estimated that about 80% of Americans will experience low back pain at some point in their lives.
Statistics: Approximately 2-8% of the population suffers from chronic back pain, which results in significant financial costs and work productivity loss.
Specific ICD-10 Code:
For chronic bilateral low back pain without sciatica, the specific ICD-10 code is M54.5.
This code represents:
- M54.5: Low back pain
Importance of Awareness:
Understanding low back pain and its classification is essential because it is:
- A leading cause of lost workdays.
- The third most common reason for surgical procedures.
- A significant contributor to hospitalization rates.
Conclusion:
Given the high prevalence and impact of low back pain, especially chronic cases, proper diagnosis and coding using ICD-10 is crucial for effective treatment and management.
