ICD Code M50.03

ICD code M50.03 is cervical disc disorder with myelopathy in the cervicothoracic region, meaning there is a problem with a disc in the neck area where it meets the upper back, and this problem is causing spinal cord dysfunction.

1. Presence of a cervical intervertebral disc disorder at the cervicothoracic region (C7-T1 level)

2. Clinical evidence of myelopathy, such as:

- Upper or lower extremity weakness

- Sensory disturbances (numbness, tingling)

- Hyperreflexia or abnormal reflexes

- Gait instability or difficulty walking

- Loss of fine motor skills in the hands

- Bowel or bladder dysfunction (in severe cases)

3. Radiological confirmation of disc pathology at the cervicothoracic junction causing spinal cord compression

4. Exclusion of other causes of myelopathy (e.g., tumor, trauma, infection)

5. Symptoms and findings consistent with spinal cord involvement rather than isolated nerve root involvement

Relevant CPT codes for ICD-10 code M50.03 include:

- 22551: Arthrodesis, anterior interbody, including disc space preparation, discectomy, osteophytectomy, and decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve roots; cervical below C2

- 22552: Each additional interspace, cervical

- 63075: Discectomy, anterior, with decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve root(s), including osteophytectomy; cervical, single interspace

- 63076: Each additional cervical interspace

- 22845: Anterior instrumentation; 2 to 3 vertebral segments

- 22846: Anterior instrumentation; 4 to 7 vertebral segments

- 22853: Insertion of interbody biomechanical device(s)

- 22854: Insertion of interbody biomechanical device(s), each additional interspace

- 20931: Allograft, structural, for spine surgery only

Selection of CPT codes should be based on the specific procedure performed and clinical documentation.

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