Ankylosing spondylitis of lumbosacral region

This code signifies a chronic inflammatory arthropathy, specifically ankylosing spondylitis, affecting the lower back and sacral areas. It involves inflammation of the sacroiliac joints and spine, leading to pain, stiffness, and potentially fusion of vertebrae in the lumbosacral region.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis with the primary site of involvement being the lumbosacral spine. This diagnosis is typically supported by imaging findings (e.g., sacroiliitis on X-ray or MRI) and clinical symptoms such as inflammatory back pain.

• Ensure the physician's documentation explicitly states "lumbosacral region" or similar anatomical specificity for ankylosing spondylitis.
• Do not use this code for ankylosing spondylitis affecting other spinal regions; specific codes exist for cervical, thoracic, or multiple sites.
• Consider sequencing this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the main reason for the encounter, especially for management of the condition.