M51.A1

Billable code

Intervertebral annulus fibrosus defect, small, lumbar region

The ICD-10 code for intervertebral annulus fibrosus defect, small, lumbar region is M51.A1.

Clinical notes

Code first

This code represents a manifestation of an underlying disease. Coding convention requires the underlying (etiology) code to be sequenced first, with this code listed second.

, if applicable, lumbar disc herniation (M51.06, M51.16, M51.26)

Documentation support

General coding-documentation guidance — not a substitute for payer-specific requirements or professional coding judgment.

•This code represents a manifestation. Documentation should identify the underlying condition, which must be coded first.
•As a general rule, code to the highest level of specificity supported by the documentation in the medical record.

Related codes in this category

M51.A0Intervertebral annulus fibrosus defect, lumbar region, unspecified size
M51.A2Intervertebral annulus fibrosus defect, large, lumbar region
M51.A3Intervertebral annulus fibrosus defect, lumbosacral region, unspecified size
M51.A4Intervertebral annulus fibrosus defect, small, lumbosacral region
M51.A5Intervertebral annulus fibrosus defect, large, lumbosacral region
M51.A1Intervertebral annulus fibrosus defect, small, lumbar region

Associated MS-DRGs

M51.A1 can serve as the principal diagnosis for these Medicare Severity Diagnosis-Related Groups.

Informational only — actual DRG assignment also depends on procedures, complications/comorbidities (CC/MCC), discharge status, and payer-specific rules not reflected here.