M51.A3 is a billable ICD-10 diagnosis code used to classify Intervertebral annulus fibrosus defect, lumbosacral region, unspecified size in medical records and claims. You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records. ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99).
ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99).
When is it used?
May be used when a clinician documents intervertebral annulus fibrosus defect, lumbosacral region, unspecified size in a patient's medical record.
May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.
What it does not mean
A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
Code hierarchy
chapter
13Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99)
block
M40-M54Dorsopathies
block
M50-M54Other dorsopathies
category
M51Thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbosacral intervertebral disc disorders
category
M51.AOther lumbar and lumbosacral annulus fibrosus disc defects
currentM51.A
Official coding notes
Applicable to
, if applicable, lumbosacral disc herniation (M51.17, M51.27)
Code first
, if applicable, lumbosacral disc herniation (M51.17, M51.27)
Where you may see this code
You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.
ChapterDiseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99)
BlockOther dorsopathies
Flags
BillableYes
Valid clinical useYes
Source
SourceICD-10
Version2026-annual
Releaseannual
Year2026
Index terms
Matched terms
Defect, defective
About this content
This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.
