These may include:
the spinal canal and create more space for the spinal cord and spinal nerves. So even if the surgeon uses the word laminotomy, he is still decompressing the nerve preventing radiculopathy. Use CPT 63045 for cervical or CPT 63047 for lumbar, with additional levels billed with add-on Code +63048 unilateral or bilateral.
M51.36Other 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.
Intervertebral disc disease is a common condition characterized by the breakdown (degeneration) of one or more of the discs that separate the bones of the spine (vertebrae), causing pain in the back or neck and frequently in the legs and arms.
M51. 36 - Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region. ICD-10-CM.
36 Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region.
Intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration is a natural progression of the aging process. Degenerative disk disease (DDD) is a pathologic condition associated with IVD that has been associated with chronic back pain.
spinal columnIntervertebral discs are located between each vertebra from C2-C3 to L5-S1. Combined, they make up one fourth the height of the spinal column. The discs act as shock absorbers to the loads placed on the spine and allow movement of the spine.
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.”
The main difference between Degenerative Disc Disease and Degenerative Joint Disease is that the conditions occur in slightly different parts of the spine. DDD affects discs directly, while DJD affects the cartilage at the ends of your vertebrae.
However, degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis are different conditions and can occur separately: one can have degenerative discs without any facet osteoarthritis; or one can have facet osteoarthritis without degenerative discs.
M51. 26 Other intervertebral disc displacement, lumbar region - ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes.
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.
11 Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right knee.
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.
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.