icd 10 cm code for degenerative changes thoracic spine with scoliosis

by Alysha Barton 10 min read

Other idiopathic scoliosis, lumbar region
M41. 26 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM M41. 26 became effective on October 1, 2021.

What is the ICD 10 code for thoracic scoliosis?

Thoracogenic scoliosis, thoracic region. 2016 2017 2018 2019 Billable/Specific Code. M41.34 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2018/2019 edition of ICD-10-CM M41.34 became effective on October 1, 2018.

What is the CPT code for scoliosis?

Congenital Scoliosis (code Q76.3): congenital scoliosis is one of the condition’s forms with a known cause, which is a congenital bone malformation, like a hemivertebra, that’s present at birth.

What goes into classifying a scoliosis?

Before we go into the specific codes for scoliosis, let’s first take a look at what goes into classifying the condition, such as time of diagnosis, causation, and curvature location.

What is the ICD 10 code for kyphoscoliosis?

kyphoscoliosis ( M41 .-) postprocedural kyphosis and lordosis ( M96.-) kyphosis and lordosis ( M40.-) scoliosis ( M41 .-) Reimbursement claims with a date of service on or after October 1, 2015 require the use of ICD-10-CM codes.

What is the ICD-10 code for thoracic degenerative changes?

34 - Other intervertebral disc degeneration, thoracic region is a topic covered in the ICD-10-CM.

What is the difference between scoliosis and degenerative scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a side-to-side curve in the spine. Degenerative scoliosis is a result of wear and tear on the discs and joints of the spine. It is the most common type of scoliosis in adults, and usually happens in the lumbar (lower) spine.

What is the ICD-10 code for degenerative changes of the spine?

ICD-10 code M51. 36 for Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Dorsopathies .

Is scoliosis a degenerative disease?

The most common form of adult scoliosis is degenerative (spine curves as you age). Adult scoliosis may be a case of pediatric scoliosis that was undiscovered until adulthood. In some cases, adolescent scoliosis may develop symptoms with aging and require treatment.

What does degenerative changes in thoracic spine mean?

The phrase "degenerative changes" in the spine refers to osteoarthritis of the spine. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Doctors may also refer to it as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis in the spine most commonly occurs in the neck and lower back.

What is scoliosis thoracic spine?

Thoracic scoliosis refers to a sideways curve located in the middle (or thoracic) portion of the spine. Scoliosis occurs in the thoracic area more than in other areas. These scoliosis patients notice changes to their chest, rib cage, and shoulder blades appearance.

What is ICD-10 for scoliosis?

ICD-10-CM Code for Scoliosis, unspecified M41. 9.

What is the ICD-10 code for DDD unspecified?

Unspecified thoracic, thoracolumbar and lumbosacral intervertebral disc disorder. M51. 9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM M51.

What does code M51 36 mean?

ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes. M51.36 - Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region.

What causes thoracic scoliosis?

Doctors don't know what causes the most common type of scoliosis — although it appears to involve hereditary factors, because the disorder sometimes runs in families. Less common types of scoliosis may be caused by: Certain neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.

What are the 3 types of scoliosis?

Types of Scoliosis Based on Spinal CurveThoracic scoliosis: The curve is located in the mid (thoracic) spine. ... Lumbar scoliosis: The curve is located in the lower (lumbar) spine.Thoracolumbar scoliosis: Vertebrae from both the thoracic and lumbar spinal sections are involved in the curvature.More items...•

Where is the thoracic area of the spine?

The thoracic spine is located in the upper and middle part of the back. Twelve vertebrae are located in the thoracic spine and are numbered T-1 to T-12. Each number corresponds with the nerves in that section of the spinal cord: T-1 through T-5 nerves affect muscles, upper chest, mid-back and abdominal muscles.

Does degenerative scoliosis get worse?

Degenerative scoliosis symptoms can worsen over time and eventually interfere with daily activities. When spinal degeneration and/or the curve progresses enough, the following could start to occur: Radicular symptoms.

What are the 3 types of scoliosis?

Types of Scoliosis Based on Spinal CurveThoracic scoliosis: The curve is located in the mid (thoracic) spine. ... Lumbar scoliosis: The curve is located in the lower (lumbar) spine.Thoracolumbar scoliosis: Vertebrae from both the thoracic and lumbar spinal sections are involved in the curvature.More items...•

What are the 4 types of scoliosis?

There are four types of scoliosis: congenital, idiopathic, neuromuscular, and degenerative2. In congenital scoliosis, the misalignment occurs as a result of deformed vertebrae or ribs present at birth. A variety of developmental factors can cause this deformity2. About 80% of cases are considered idiopathic1.

How common is degenerative scoliosis?

Who is affected? Mild to moderate spinal deformity is common in older adults, but it can also affect adults in their 50s and younger. An estimated 60% of people over age 60 may have mild degenerative scoliosis [1].

What is the term for a curve in the spine?

Appreciable lateral deviation in the normally straight vertical line of the spine. Scoliosis causes a sideways curve of your backbone, or spine. These curves are often s- or c-shaped. Scoliosis is most common in late childhood and the early teens, when children grow fast.

When will the ICD-10-CM M41.9 be released?

The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM M41.9 became effective on October 1, 2021.

What is the term for a curve in the spine?

Appreciable lateral deviation in the normally straight vertical line of the spine. Scoliosis causes a sideways curve of your backbone, or spine. These curves are often s- or c-shaped. Scoliosis is most common in late childhood and the early teens, when children grow fast.

When will the ICD-10-CM M41 be released?

The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM M41 became effective on October 1, 2021.

What is the idiopathic code for scoliosis?

As so many cases of scoliosis don’t have known causes, the idiopathic condition codes are most commonly used. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (code M41.12): as mentioned earlier, scoliosis is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 10 and 18. This group represents approximately 80 percent of diagnosed cases, ...

Why are degenerative scoliosis cases considered de novo?

These cases are classed as ‘de novo’ because they have developed fresh in adulthood, after skeletal maturity has been reached, with no prior history of having the condition.

What is the diagnosis of infantile idiopathic scoliosis?

Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis (code M41.00): infantile idiopathic scoliosis is defined as scoliosis diagnosed in infants between birth and the age of 3. Again, this form is idiopathic, so causation is unknown.

What is the condition where the spine is stacked on top of each other?

In congenital scoliosis, there is a malformed vertebrae that throws off the alignment of the spine. In a healthy spine, the vertebrae are stacked on top of one another like rectangular bricks; in congenital scoliosis, picture one of those vertebrae as triangular in shape, and you can imagine how much that would throw off that stack of vertebrae and cause the spine to slip to the side.

Why is it important to classify scoliosis?

Classifying a condition like scoliosis is important because it clearly communicates to health-care professionals what type of scoliosis they are dealing with; this is especially important in conditions, like scoliosis, that can take many forms. Before we go into the specific codes for scoliosis, let’s first take a look at what goes ...

Why is scoliosis coding important?

Having a common language and system of coding used to define and classify scoliosis helps ensure a certain level of patient care, regardless of where that patient seeks treatment. Initial scoliosis coding and sequencing will depend upon the doctor that first diagnoses and documents the condition.

What is the age range for degenerative disc disease?

These types of cases often involve patients who are over 40 and facing degenerative changes to the spine and the discs that cushion the spine’s individual vertebrae.

What is the T12-L1 code?

Though it is not specifically mentioned, “thoracolumbar” likely only includes T12-L1, and “lumbosacral” probably only refers to the L5-S1 interspace. There is a strange rule for cervical disc disorders indicating that you should code to the most superior level of the disorder.

What is the 5th character of a disc?

9 = unspecified disc disorder. The fifth character provides detail about the anatomical location within the spinal region. A basic knowledge of spinal anatomy should make fifth-character selection easy, but only if it is documented properly. This includes transitionary regions.

What character is used for disc disorders?

Only use the fourth character “9” for unspecified disc disorders if the documentation does not indicate anything more than the presence of a disc problem. But beware, payors are expected to ask for clarification if unspecified or “NOS” codes are used.

Can a spinal disc be coded?

These spinal disc codes appear to be a bit complex, but with some study and evaluation, the logic used to create them becomes clear. The provider can use the codes to guide proper documentation and the coder then can select the right codes with confidence.

Is sciatica a code for lumbar radiculopathy?

It is already included in the code. Likewise, don’t code sciatica (M54.3-) if you code for lumbar disc with radiculopathy. It would be redundant. On a side note, lumbar radiculopathy (M54.16) might be used if pain is not yet known to be due a disc, but it radiates from the lumbar spine.