When the hustle and bustle of life is taking its toll toll on your back, it's time to do something about it. Your doctor, or orthotist, may prescribe you a back brace which has a medical billing code assigned to it such as L0642. Lower back orthosis which are assigned the L0642 billing code provide support and control for the lower back. The brace must provide side-to-side (sagittal) control, and rigid front and back panels to be in accordance with the L0642 regulations. To qualify as an L0642, measurements of the brace must reach from the L-1 vertebra past the L-5 vertebra.
L0642 coded braces work through basic physics. Compression is applied to the the abdominal cavity, this causes the tension to be released from the back and spinal discs. A back brace is often a desirable alternative surgery, and many suggest a brace over invasive procedures.
In order to best fit the wearer, adjustment straps and closures are included on these braces. These braces may also include padding, shoulder straps, or designed obese individuals, however these factors do not regulate the assigned code. L0642 braces are ready made and hold an "off-the-shelf" status, which means the are used as is and no modifications are made to the brace by one with expertise.