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.
According to Coding Clinic: “Assign code M16. 0—Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of hip for degenerative changes of hips”. Coding Clinic's rationale is, “ICD-10- CM's Alphabetic Index under “Degeneration, joint disease” instructs “see Osteoarthritis.”
Other intervertebral disc degeneration, thoracic region M51. 34 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. 34 became effective on October 1, 2021.
36 Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region.
722.4 is the correct code for degenerative disease of the cervical intervertebral disc. 722.51 is the correct diagnosis code for thoracic degenerative disc disease. 722.52 is the accurate diagnosis code for DDD of the lumbar or lumbosacral intervertebral disc.
M51. 36 - Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region. ICD-10-CM.
Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region M51. 36 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. 36 became effective on October 1, 2021.
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.
ICD-10-CM Code for Pain in thoracic spine M54. 6.
9: Dorsalgia, unspecified.
ICD-10 Code M54. 5 for Chronic Low Back Pain | CareCloud.
Lumbar (low back) degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common condition in aging adults. The intervertebral discs serve as the spine's shock absorbers and, as we age, discs gradually dry out, losing strength and resiliency. In most people, these changes are gradual.