icd 9 code for lumbar spine broad based disc bulge with migration

by Lavina Rath 7 min read

What is the ICD 9 code for lumbar disc displacement?

Displacement of lumbar intervertebral disc without myelopathy Short description: Lumbar disc displacement. ICD-9-CM 722.10 is a billable medical code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis on a reimbursement claim, however, 722.10 should only be used for claims with a date of service on or before September 30, 2015.

What is the ICD 9 code for dislocation of intervertebral disc?

Displacement of intervertebral disc, site unspecified, without myelopathy Short description: Disc displacement NOS. ICD-9-CM 722.2 is a billable medical code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis on a reimbursement claim, however, 722.2 should only be used for claims with a date of service on or before September 30, 2015.

What is the ICD 10 code for lumbar intervertebral disc?

Prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc; ICD-10-CM M51.26 is grouped within Diagnostic Related Group(s) (MS-DRG v 38.0): 551 Medical back problems with mcc; 552 Medical back problems without mcc; Convert M51.26 to ICD-9-CM. Code History. 2016 (effective 10/1/2015): New code (first year of non-draft ICD-10-CM) 2017 (effective 10/1/2016): No change

What is a bulging disc in the spine?

“Your spine is made up of a column of bones stacked on top of each other. Discs provide cushioning between each of these bones,” said Livestrong. “Sometimes discs may bulge — move out of place — and put pressure on nerves that exit your spine. Symptoms are specific to the level of the bulge.

What is a broad based disc bulge?

Can a disc protrude?

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What is a broad-based disc bulge in the spine?

What is a bulging disc? Unlike a herniated disc, when the nucleus breaks through the annulus, a bulging disc protrudes outward but the outer layers of the annulus remains intact. However, because the disc protrudes into the spinal canal, it can still compress a nerve root. Disc bulge is also called disc prolapse.

What is disc protrusion with caudal migration?

Focal disc migration is defined as a condition where a detached piece of the nucleus pulposus migrates from its intradiscal location. Herniation usually occurs in relatively young patients when intradiscal pressure remains high. Disc herniation may occur in any direction.

What is the ICD 10 code for bulging lumbar disc?

Other intervertebral disc displacement, lumbar region M51. 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 M51. 26 became effective on October 1, 2021.

How do you code a bulging disc?

A disc described as "bulging" without further specification as to the cause of the bulging should not be coded as a displacement, but, like other observations of uncertain significance as 722.9 "other and unspecified disc disorder" or as 793.7, "nonspecific abnormal findings on radiographic examination" ( ...

Is a disc bulge and protrusion the same?

The bulged disc material is still contained within the annulus. But in some cases, the nucleus pushes completely through the annulus and squeezes out of the disc. This is called a disc herniation or protrusion. Herniation and protrusion are two words for the same thing.

What is central disc extrusion with superior migration?

What Is a Disc Extrusion? A disc extrusion is a type of severe disc herniation. It happens when the center - or nucleus - of an intervertebral disc escapes from the center of the disc. A disc that is extruded can occur in the neck, mid, or lower back, and can cause severe spinal related pain.

What is diagnosis code M51 26?

M51. 26 Other intervertebral disc displacement, lumbar region - ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes.

What does diagnosis code M51 16 mean?

M51. 16 Intervertebral disc disorders w radiculopathy, lumbar region - ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes.

What is broad based posterior disc Osteophyte complex?

The disc osteophyte complex is a protruding ridge composed of chronically bulging disc encased with bony hypertrophy and granulation or scar tissue and is different from a focal or pure disc herniation, which are less common in the cervical spine.

What is the ICD 10 code for lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy?

ICD-10 Code for Intervertebral disc disorders with radiculopathy, lumbar region- M51. 16- Codify by AAPC.

What is a Subligamentous disc protrusion?

A subligamentous herniation is one in which nucleus pulposus has extended through the annulus fibrosus, but has not gone through the posterior longitudinal ligament. The term “herniation” is generally used when the nucleus has completely extruded through the annulus fibrosus and posterior longitudinal ligament.

What is herniation of disc?

A herniated disc (also called bulged, slipped or ruptured) is a fragment of the disc nucleus that is pushed out of the annulus, into the spinal canal through a tear or rupture in the annulus. Discs that become herniated usually are in an early stage of degeneration.

How serious is a disc protrusion?

Many cases of protruding discs heal naturally with rest and conservative measures. However, disc protrusions that continue to degenerate and press on the spinal cord or nerve roots cause significant pain, weakness, numbness and loss of movement that may require surgery to treat.

Is disc protrusion worse than herniated disc?

Compared with a bulging disk, a herniated disk is more likely to cause pain because it generally protrudes farther and is more likely to irritate nerve roots. The irritation can be from compression of the nerve or, much more commonly, the herniation causes a painful inflammation of the nerve root.

What is a L4 L5 and L5-S1 disc protrusion?

The most common levels for a herniated disc are L4-5 and L5-S1. The onset of symptoms is characterized by a sharp, burning, stabbing pain radiating down the posterior or lateral aspect of the leg, to below the knee. Pain is generally superficial and localized, and is often associated with numbness or tingling.

What is disc protrusion at L4 L5?

Bulging, herniated, protruded, and prolapsed discs are medical terms implying a slipped disc or slipped disc—an L4-L5 slip-disc results when the spinal disc at L4-L5 degenerates or wears out. The most common site for spinal disc degeneration, disc bulge, and the slipped disc is the L4-L5 segment.

L4-L5 Disc Bulge Treatment | DISC Spine Institute TX

Need to know how to get L4-L5 disc bulge treatment? Learn some of the best L4-L5 disc bulge treatments from spine specialists at DISC Spine Institute.

Broad Based Disc Bulge - HxBenefit

Sleep and rest – performing strenuous activities can compromise your health. It can lead to the weakening of the disc. So, always make it a habit to get an adequate amount of sleep and rest. If you are exercising heavily or working in an industry that requires heavy lifting, you have to make sure you rest in between workout and work.

What is a broad based disc bulge?

What Is a Broad-Based Disc Bulge? A broad-based disc protrusion occurs when more than 25 percent but less than 50 percent of the disc material's circumference is extended beyond the spinal bone borders , according to the American Journal of Neuroradiology. A disc is bulging when over 50 percent of the disc material's circumference is overextended.

Can a disc protrude?

A disc has either a broad-based protrusion or a bulge, but not a broad-based bulge, according to the Laser Spine Institute. Disc protrusions in the cervical and lumbar spines can press on nerves and cause symptoms such as tingling, numbness, neck and back pain, and a decline in physical mobility. A patient with a broad-based disc protrusion in ...

What is a broad based disc protrusion?

Broad based disc protrusion is strictly defined as a disc protrusion that occurs around 25 to 50 percent of the circumference of a spinal disc. When any amount of disc material is out of place and beyond its normal boundaries, it can place pressure on surrounding nerve roots, causing them to relay faulty signals between the brain and other areas of the body. That can lead to traveling symptoms like pain, muscle weakness, numbness and so on.

What is the treatment of the weaker and less flexible areas of the spine?

Physical therapy, which targets weaker and less flexible areas of the spine for specific improvement in range of motion

What nerve is bulging in the lower back?

Symptoms are specific to the level of the bulge. An L4/5 bulging disc puts pressure on your L5 nerve — one of the most common levels where this condition occurs. Bulging of this disc, located in your lower back, causes a variety of problematic symptoms.”.

How much incisions do you need for a bulging disc?

“Refractory cases may require small 3 to 15 mm incisions with suture-less outpatient surgery to shave the bulging disc and create more room for the spinal nerves,” they said.

Does L4 L5 cause pain?

L4-L5 bulging disc treatments for pain. Bulging discs are a common occurrence and sometimes carry no symptoms; but, for many, the pain is extreme and requires immediate attention.

Is it easier to treat back pain with surgery?

Minimally invasive surgical techniques mean treating chronic back pain is easier than ever, with outpatient treatments, small incisions, and a quicker recovery time instead of a long hospital stay.

Can a L4-L5 disc bulge cause back pain?

Most importantly, an L4-L5 disc bulge can lead to prolonged pain and other, more serious conditions like spondylolisthesis if you delay treatment. Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which a vertebra shifts or slips, and can cause significant pain that may require surgery to fix.

What Is a Bulging Disc?

Your spine consists of vertebrae which have spinal discs in between to act as a shock absorber, preventing damage to the spinal tissue and bone.

What is a bulge on a disc MRI?

In simple terms, a disc bulge refers to an apparent generalized extension of disc tissues beyond the edges of the edge of vertebrae, usually less than 3mm. Bulge is a term for an image and can be a normal variant (usually at L5-S1). It can result from advanced disc degeneration or from vertebral body remodeling (as consequent to osteoporosis, trauma, or adjacent structural deformity). It can also occur with ligamentous laxity in response to loading. The one interesting aspect about a “bulge” is that it is an MRI finding that can correlate with an annular tear that causes deep midline low back pain. The annular tear can be confirmed with a discogram followed with a CT scan.

What is the best treatment for a bulging disc?

Minimally Invasive treatments are becoming more common and endoscopic spine surgery might be an option in relieving the pain. Surgeons can utilize minor surgical techniques in order to correct bulging disc problems.

What does it mean when your disc is bulging?

In most cases, when a bulging disc has reached this stage it is near or at herniation. Tingling or pain in the fingers, hands, arms, neck or shoulders. This could indicate a bulging disc in the cervical area. Pain in the feet, thighs, lower spine and buttocks. This is the most common symptom and could indicate an issue in the lumbar region.

How to stop bulging discs?

A patient should change body positioning and behaviors (sleeping, sitting and posture positions) first to help reduce any bulging disc symptoms or pain caused by the affected disc. Addressing causal factors may help to slow the worsening of the condition.

Why do my discs bulge?

Although bulging discs occur over time, herniated discs may occur quickly by trauma. Bad posture including improper body positioning during sleep, sitting, standing or exercise are all risk factors which may contribute to the development of a bulging disc. Obesity. High contact sports or activities are also risk factors.

How to help a herniated disc?

A healthy weight reduction plan and exercise can be used to help obese patients. In some cases, a doctor may recommend physical therapy to strengthen muscles in the back and to regain any lost mobility. Before herniation, many of the non-surgical treatments are successful in managing bulging discs.

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 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.

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 a Bulging Disc?

A bulging disc occurs when the nucleus pulposus—the soft, jelly-like center of the disc that gives the disc shock-absorbing capacities—extends beyond its normal position inside the disc structure, but remains contained within the annulus fibrosus.

What is the difference between a bulging disc and a herniated disc?

The main difference between a bulging and herniated disc is where the damage starts. If it starts internally—affecting the inside part of annulus's fibers—it will likely leave the soft material of the nucleus intact. This describes a bulging disc. 1 .

What is the center of a disc that gives shock absorbers?

A bulging disc occurs when the nucleus pulposus —the soft, jelly-like center of the disc that gives the disc shock-absorbing capacities—extends beyond its normal position inside the disc structure, but remains contained within the annulus fibrosus.

Why do my discs get herniated?

Herniated discs are usually caused either by degenerative changes in the spine and disc or by an injury. 4 . Similar to bulging discs, herniated discs are not always symptomatic. Whether they are or not generally depends on whether the leaked disc material makes contact with nerve tissue.

Why do my discs bulge?

Bulging discs may be caused by a number of things. Perhaps the most common is age-related degenerative changes that occur in the spine. The term "degenerative changes" refers to the effects of wear and tear on the disc that accumulates over time. 4 

How to tell if a disc is bulging?

While bulging discs may cause pain, they don't always. When a bulging disc does cause pain, it may be because the disc is pressing on the spinal cord or a spinal nerve root. Symptoms may include: 1 Pain 2 Weakness 3 Numbness 4 Electrical sensations running down a limb 5 

What is the movement of the disc inside the annulus fibrosus?

2 . Migration is a movement of the disc inside the annulus fibrosus.

What is a broad based disc bulge?

What Is a Broad-Based Disc Bulge? A broad-based disc protrusion occurs when more than 25 percent but less than 50 percent of the disc material's circumference is extended beyond the spinal bone borders , according to the American Journal of Neuroradiology. A disc is bulging when over 50 percent of the disc material's circumference is overextended.

Can a disc protrude?

A disc has either a broad-based protrusion or a bulge, but not a broad-based bulge, according to the Laser Spine Institute. Disc protrusions in the cervical and lumbar spines can press on nerves and cause symptoms such as tingling, numbness, neck and back pain, and a decline in physical mobility. A patient with a broad-based disc protrusion in ...