Rheumatology medical coding for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) involves assigning the proper ICD-10 codes for AS affecting the spine, lower back or other area.

A form of arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory disease that mainly affects the spine. This disease can cause some of the small bones in the spine or vertebrae to fuse, making the spine less flexible. The lower part of the spine, where the spine joins the hips known as the sacroiliac joint, is mostly affected. Rheumatologists and other physicians treating the condition can rely on an experienced medical billing company to report ankylosing spondylitis (AS) using appropriate ICD-10 codes and submit error-free medical claims on time. Laboratory and X-ray procedures, surgical procedures as well as Evaluation and management services provided for ankylosing spondylitis may be reimbursable with most insurers.

Ankylosing spondylitis can affect not only the spine, but also areas around the ribs, shoulders, knees, ankles, feet, lower back, lower leg shin bone and Achilles tendon. It also affects the eyes, causing pain and redness, causing iritis or uveitis and can impair vision, if not treated on time.

ICD-10 Codes to Report Ankylosing Spondylitis

• M45.0 Ankylosing spondylitis of multiple sites in spine
• M45.1 Ankylosing spondylitis of occipito-atlanto-axial region
• M45.2 Ankylosing spondylitis of cervical region
• M45.3 Ankylosing spondylitis of cervicothoracic region
• M45.4 Ankylosing spondylitis of thoracic region
• M45.5 Ankylosing spondylitis of thoracolumbar region
• M45.6 Ankylosing spondylitis lumbar region
• M45.7 Ankylosing spondylitis of lumbosacral region
• M45.8 Ankylosing spondylitis sacral and sacrococcygeal region
• M45.9 Ankylosing spondylitis of unspecified sites in spine

Though related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), symptoms and etiology can be different for AS. The signs and symptoms typically begin in early adulthood. This condition is seen to affect men more than women. The main symptoms of AS include pain, stiffness or loss of mobility in the spine or lower back, swelling, redness, and warmth in other areas such as the knees, ribs, toes, heels, shoulders, ankles, and neck, back pain often during the night, back pain that lasts longer than 30 minutes after waking up, fatigue, a loss of appetite, neurological complications, osteoporosis and spinal problems, anemia, enthesitis, heart inflammation, chest and lung problems, 

Though there is no complete cure for ankylosing spondylitis, effective treatments can manage and improve the symptoms and possibly slow the progression of the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of spinal deformity and other complications.

There is no single test to diagnose ankylosing spondylitis. Doctors recommend X-ray, CT scan, or MRI scan to identify the condition in key areas, such as the joints and spine. Doctors also gather information about the type of back pain the patient is experiencing. Often, a blood test that looks for a gene called HLA-B27 is recommended by rheumatologists to track the progression of the condition, and to monitor for complications that may not be causing any symptoms. 

A typical treatment plan includes different approaches such as physical therapy, exercise programs, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat the pain. Steroid injections and surgery may be recommended in rare cases. Doctors may advise preventive steps such as maintaining a moderate weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Rheumatology medical coding can be challenging, as it involves the use of modifiers, billing for laboratory procedures, submission of codes for comprehensive and less comprehensive procedures/services, drug administration and more. Physician practices can partner with an HIPAA-compliant medical billing company that provides the services of AAPC-certified coders, well-versed and trained in the latest ICD, CPT, HCPCS codes and modifiers.