Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar region is classified under ICD-10-CM code M51.36, which requires specifying associated symptoms. Common billable codes include M51.360 (with discogenic back pain only), M51.361 (with lower extremity pain only), and M51.36 (unspecified).
Primary codes
Billable
Billable
Extension
—
7th character
—
POA exempt
No
Coding risks
- Missing a required companion or status code
Hierarchy
Code comparison
Compare key differences between related codes to select the most specific option.
| Code | Description | Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| M51.35 | Other intervertebral disc degeneration, thoracolumbar region | Disc degeneration documented at the thoracolumbar junction, not isolated to lumbar or lumbosacral levels. |
| M51.26 | Other intervertebral disc displacement, lumbar region | Lumbar disc displacement documented, such as herniation or protrusion, rather than degenerative disc changes. |
| M51.360 | Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region with discogenic back pain only | Lumbar disc degeneration with discogenic back pain only, no lower extremity symptoms documented. |
| M51.361 | Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region with lower extremity pain only | Lumbar disc degeneration with lower extremity pain documented, without discogenic back pain. |
| M51.362 | Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region with discogenic back pain and lower extremity pain | Lumbar disc degeneration documented with both discogenic back pain and radiating lower extremity pain. |
| M51.369 | Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region without mention of lumbar back pain or lower extremity pain | Lumbar disc degeneration on imaging with no back or lower extremity pain documented. |
| M51.370 | Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbosacral region with discogenic back pain only | Lumbosacral disc degeneration with discogenic back pain only, no lower extremity pain documented. |
| M51.371 | Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbosacral region with lower extremity pain only | Lumbosacral disc degeneration with lower extremity pain documented, no discogenic back pain noted. |
Select the most specific code supported by the encounter documentation. More specific codes improve reimbursement accuracy and reduce audit risk.
Code ranges
Other intervertebral disc degeneration
Covers non-herniation degenerative disc disease across thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbar regions without myelopathy or radiculopathy.
Other dorsopathies
Spine disorders including cervical and other disc disorders, dorsalgia, and related back conditions not classified elsewhere.
Thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbosacral intervertebral disc disorders
Encompasses disc disorders of thoracic and lumbar spine including myelopathy, radiculopathy, displacement, and degeneration.
Spondylosis
Degenerative arthritic changes of the spine involving vertebrae and facet joints, with or without myelopathy or radiculopathy.
Low back pain
Symptom codes for lumbar back pain without an identified structural or degenerative diagnosis.
Coding risks
Avoid these common coding issues when reporting Degenerative Disc Disease.
Impact
Assigning M51.36 without explicit region may miscode as thoracolumbar degeneration (M51.35) or lumbosacral (M51.37-).
Mitigation
Consider querying the provider when the region is absent rather than inferring from imaging report headers alone.
Related codes
Ancillary and co-coding
Codes commonly reported with the primary diagnosis on the same claim.
Z-code variants
Family history, personal history, or screening encounter codes related to this condition.
Differential codes
Alternative or commonly confused codes to consider when documentation suggests a different condition than the primary diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Use M51.369 only when documentation confirms lumbar disc degeneration without any mention of back pain or lower extremity pain.
References
Compiled from the following authoritative coding references. Last updated 2026-08-04.