icd 10 code for cervical disc space narrowing

by Treva Farrell 7 min read

Other cervical disc degeneration, cervicothoracic region
M50. 33 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 M50. 33 became effective on October 1, 2021.

Full Answer

How do you treat disc space narrowing?

  • Physical therapy. This is one of the best methods to treat narrowing in between disc spaces as it is a rather natural and non-invasive method.
  • Anti-inflammatory medication. ...
  • An alternative option: Based on our 40 years of clinical experience, we came up with a unique back care device called “Backrack.”

What is disc space narrowing with vacuum disc phenomena?

Vacuum disc phenomenon is seen frequently with degenerative disc disease and is characterized by the collection of gas in the disc space. Although the accumulation of gas within the disc space does not have clinical significance, symptoms may develop when occurring within the spinal canal.

What is disc space narrowing in the neck?

Symptoms of neck (cervical) spinal stenosis include:

  • Neck pain.
  • Numbness or tingling in the arm, hand, leg or foot. (Symptoms can be felt anywhere below the point of the nerve compression.)
  • Weakness or clumsiness in the arm, hand, leg or foot.
  • Problems with balance.
  • Loss of function in hands, like having problems writing or buttoning shirts.
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control (in severe cases).

What is disc space narrowing from L3 to S1?

There is minimal disc space narrowing at L2-L3, L4-L5, and L5-S1 with disc desiccation at these levels. There is a hemangioma or fatty rest at L1. Conus medulla dis demonstrates normal signal intensity. L2-L3 Minimal spondylosis without spinal stenosis or neural foramina narrowing.

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What is the ICD-10 code for cervical stenosis?

ICD-10 code: M48. 02 Spinal stenosis Cervical region.

What is the ICD-10 code for cervical spine?

ICD-Code M54. 2 is a billable ICD-10 code used for healthcare diagnosis reimbursement of Cervicalgia.

What is the ICD-10 code for cervical facet arthropathy?

92.

What is the ICD-10 code for Foraminal stenosis?

There is no distinction made in ICD-10-CM for central canal stenosis vs foraminal stenosis. Therefore, the M48. 0- code covers both/all types of spinal stenosis.

What is disc space narrowing?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. Spinal stenosis occurs most often in the lower back and the neck. Some people with spinal stenosis may not have symptoms.

What is the ICD-10 code for degenerative disc disease?

ICD-10-CM Code for Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region M51. 36.

What is diagnosis code M53 82?

M53. 82 - Other specified dorsopathies, cervical region. ICD-10-CM.

What is the ICD-10 code for cervical spondylosis with radiculopathy?

ICD-10 Code for Other spondylosis with radiculopathy, cervical region- M47. 22- Codify by AAPC.

What is facet arthropathy cervical?

Cervical facet arthropathy refers to pain in one of the tiny facet joints that connect one vertebra to another in your cervical (upper) spine. The condition occurs when the facet joints become irritated or inflamed, primarily as a result of arthritis, compression of the joints, or injury.

Is Foraminal narrowing the same as spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis and foraminal stenosis describe the narrowing of the canals in your spine. Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the canals through which the spinal cord travels, foraminal stenosis is the narrowing through which the spinal nerves travel before exiting the spine.

What is neural Foraminal narrowing?

Neural foraminal stenosis, or neural foraminal narrowing, is a type of spinal stenosis. It occurs when the small openings between the bones in your spine, called the neural foramina, narrow or tighten.

What is foraminal stenosis of the spine?

Foraminal Stenosis is the narrowing of the cervical disc space caused by enlargement of a joint (the uncinate process) in the spinal canal. The majority of symptoms with this type of cervical spinal stenosis are usually caused by one nerve root on one side.

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.

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.

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.

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal Stenosis is a narrowing of a spinal canal that compresses the Spinal Cord. Foraminal Narrowing is a stenosis of the vertebral foramen that compresses (encroaches on) a Nerve Root. In your ICD-9 Index, please look at COMPRESSION - NERVE - ROOT and you will find the codes you are looking for.

Where do nerves become compressed?

If you Google "723.0 foraminal stenosis" you get a lot of supporting documentation too. Spinal nerves typically become compressed in three locations: the central canal , where they leave the spinal column, and just distal of the column. The most common site is at the site where the nerves leave the spinal column, referred to as foraminal stenosis. Foraminal stenosis does cause compression of the nerve so I suppose it is up to you which code you use. Either is technicall correct. I prefer to code the cause, spinal stenosis (723.0) but I can see the logic in coding the effect, nerve compression (723.4). However, I personally would not code 723.4 unless the documentation specifically states nerve compression, radiculopathy, brachial neuritis or something similar. In that case, i would probably code both.

Does foraminal stenosis cause nerve compression?

Foraminal stenosis does cause compression of the nerve so I suppose it is up to you which code you use. Either is technicall correct. I prefer to code the cause, spinal stenosis (723.0) but I can see the logic in coding the effect, nerve compression (723.4).

Is 724.9 the same as spinal stenosis?

I believe you are correct to a point. Foraminal narrowing isn't the same as spinal stenosis but 724.9 is referrable to the lower back. If you are referencing C3-C4 it may be more appropiate to use 723.8 Cervical syndrome NEC.

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