#CERVICAL SPINE X RAY ICD 10 CODE#

#CERVICAL SPINE X RAY ICD 10 CODE#

Furthermore, when the ICD-10-CM code set uses the word “other,” it is essentially identifying what the condition isn’t, rather than what it is. However, it is notable that it does not mention nervous system involvement. “Displacement” is a very general term that does not distinguish between disc bulges or prolapses. M50.2- and M51.2- are the subcategories for “other disc displacement,” and this phrase has led to some confusion. If none of these tests are performed or documented, then the provider may not be able to establish certainty for the diagnosis and should consider a symptom code such as M54.5, Low back pain, and/or a code from the subcategory M54.1-, Radiculopathy, instead.

Electro-myelogram (EMG) to measure muscle innervation deficits.

CT scan with myelogram to visualize the affected discs and region of the cord and.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the affected discs and nerves.

Radiographs (X-ray), to look for bony changes that might indicate disc degeneration.

Deep tendon reflexes, muscle strength testing, and/or pinwheel testing to identify location and degree of nerve damage.

If a provider uses a diagnosis code from these two categories, the record will likely contain diagnostic testing, such as: However, it should be noted that laterality is not identified by the codes even though radiculopathy is usually a unilateral condition. In 2017, sixth characters were added to some of the cervical codes to provide even more anatomic specificity. The fifth character for each of these codes identifies a specific anatomic location. Myelopathy could include symptoms affecting the bowel and bladder, for example, and it is potentially much more serious and less common than radiculopathy, which typically only involves a single extremity. Providers should be careful to clearly distinguish the difference in their documentation. For example, myelopathy involves a deficit to the spinal cord, whereas radiculopathy involves a deficit to the nerve roots. The following table (included here with permission from ) includes an example for each subcategory to help providers and ancillary staff differentiate between the conditions included. The disc disorder codes are separated into two categories: M50 for the cervical spine and M51 for the thoracic and lumbar spine. “Disc disorders” is a broad term used in the ICD-10-CM Tabular List to describe many problems associated with the spine. The challenge for physicians is to make sure that they know how these conditions are organized in ICD-10-CM, and that the documentation provides the proper support. In older adults (age 60+), the pain is more likely to stem from degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis. In younger adults (ages 20-60), problems with an intervertebral disc is likely to be the pain generator.

The conditions and diagnoses that accompany back pain vary widely. In theory, these providers should be selecting the same codes for the same conditions however, documentation varies and the ICD-10-CM code set leaves some room for interpretation. Roughly 40 percent of those with back pain seek help from a primary care physician another 40 percent see a chiropractor, and the remaining 20 percent find some other specialist for help.

It is estimated that 80 percent of Americans report back pain at one time or another, and treatment for such issues comes at a cost of $50 billion annually.

Cervical spine x ray icd 10