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Orthopedic Coding Alert

Orthopedic Coding:

Understand Annular Defect Coding

Published on Mon Oct 12, 2026

Question: My provider documented an intervertebral annulus fibrosis defect in the lumbar region. I cannot find a code that specifically describes this condition. Which ICD-10-CM code should I report? Wisconsin Subscriber Answer: The answer to this will depend on the defect’s size. Most payers consider a defect under 6 mm to be small, whereas they consider a defect measuring 6 [...]
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