we use 721.3 for lumbar facet arthropathy we use 716.98 also. I have in the past used 716.98 Unspecified Arthropathies and the 5th digit per AHA Coding Clinic is for the spine. Guess I'll go back to that.
But, M53.8- other specified dorsopathies can be used just like the old ICD-9 code. It is the "other" code, which means it can be used for a specified condition like facet syndrome.
Lumbar spine sprain; Lumbar sprain ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S33.3 Dislocation of other and unspecified parts of lumbar spine and pelvis Dislocation of oth and unsp parts of lumbar spine and pelvis
Below is a list of the most common ICD-9 codes (diagnosis codes) used in a physical medicine & rehabilitation (PM&R) and Spine pain management clinic. The most common codes I use are highlighted in blue. Feel free to leave comments in the section below. Cervical failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) or postlaminectomy syndrome: 722.81
ICD-9 Code Transition: 724.2 Code M54. 5 is the diagnosis code used for Low Back Pain (LBP). This is sometimes referred to as lumbago.
Lumbar facet syndrome refers to a dysfunction at the level of the posterior facet joints of the spine. These joints together with the disc form the intervertebral joint. Changes at the level of the posterior facet joints can influence the disc and vice versa.
724.4ICD-9 Code 724.4 -Thoracic or lumbosacral neuritis or radiculitis unspecified- Codify by AAPC.
The facet joints are the connections between the bones of the spine. The nerve roots pass through these joints to go from the spinal cord to the arms, legs and other parts of the body. These joints also allow the spine to bend and twist, and they keep the back from slipping too far forward or twisting without limits.
What are the causes? As we get older, cartilage in our joints wears down. An injury, repetitive movements, obesity, poor posture and other spine conditions that change the way the facet joints align and move can cause pain. Changes in the facet joints can begin with the deterioration of a vertebral disc.
Facet joint disease, which is also known as facet syndrome, spinal osteoarthritis, facet hypertrophy or facet arthritis, is a spinal condition occurs when the facet joints in the spine degenerate to the point of causing painful symptoms.
16.
Radiculopathy, site unspecified M54. 10 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 M54. 10 became effective on October 1, 2021.
Radiculitis develops as a result of pressure on the nerve root where it connects to the spine. The location of the pain depends on the location of the affected nerve.
Hypertrophy of bone, other site M89. 38 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 M89. 38 became effective on October 1, 2021.
Discs sit between the vertebral bodies and act as shock absorbers. Facet joints are the joints in the spine where movement occurs. Pain located in the midline. Pain may extend to both sides of the back and down the buttocks as well as the legs.
SI joint pain radiates distally. and is rarely, if ever, experienced above the L5 level. Therefore, unlike facet pain, pain located exclusively below the 5th lumbar vertebrae increases the likelihood of the sacroiliac joint being the source.
Treatments for facet joint pain include (1) intra-articular steroid/local anesthetic injection under fluoroscopic guidance (see images below) and (2) radiofrequency ablation to block the joint from all sensory input. Some authorities have also advocated the use of pulsed radiofrequency at a lower temperature.
Prolonged walking and standing can make the pain worse. Sitting usually relieves the pain as stress is taken off the facet joints. Cervical (upper spine) facet joint pain may be felt in the neck, shoulders, upper or middle back. Headaches may also occur if the upper facet joints are stressed.
Treatment for Facet ArthrosisAnti-inflammatory pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.Heat or ice packs applied to the affected area.Avoiding movements that cause the pain to flare.Physical therapy focused on strengthening and stretching the affected muscles.Core strengthening exercises.Massage.
Is facet arthropathy a disability as defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA)? According to the medical guide called the Blue Book published by the SSA, facet arthropathy might qualify as a disability if the severity of symptoms matches the guidelines published under Section 1.04.
We were using 724.8 for facet syndrome but another coder in the office did raise a question that led us to start using 721.3
Alphabetic index for arthropathy directs to see also arthritis... Spondylosis is defined as degenerative changes in the spinal joint. Under 716.9 exchangeable terms is also arthritis and also under the Spondylosis codes 721. includes the exchangeable terms arthritis, osteoarthritis and spondylarthritis.
Under the first header for ICD-9 Section 13. Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue, under where it says Arthropathies and Related Disorders (710-719), it states
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Details: Arthropathic psoriasis, unspecified. Guidelines: Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99) Excludes 2: certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P04-P96) certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99) complications of pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A)
The tendency of the physicians to use these terms interchangably can be very confusing to the coder, since the courses of each connective tissue disease processes are variable according to each patient. The medical interventions are very different depending on which process is going on, and the stage of it's severity.
The facet joints are a pair of joints in the posterior aspect of the spine. Their proper name is zygapophysial joints. These joints can become inflamed due to trauma or overuse and cause back pain. This is called facet syndrome. Unfortunately there was no ICD-9 code for this condition.
Unfortunately the GEMs mapping to ICD-10 for this code is M54.08 Panniculitis affecting region of neck and back, sacrococcygeal region. This is defined as inflammation of subcutaneous adipose tissue, which is not consistent with facet syndrome. This is a great example of how doctors who rely only on GEMs are headed for trouble. However, if the patient really has panniculitis, the this code is perfect.
There is, unfortunately, still no ICD-10 code for facet syndrome. But, M53.8- other specified dorsopathies can be used just like the old ICD-9 code. It is the "other" code, which means it can be used for a specified condition like facet syndrome.
However, a patient may have an acute case of facet syndrome which does not include degeneration. And this code does not seem to address these acute cases. The moral of the story is to learn how to use the code book.