ICD Code M50.12

ICD code M50.12 is used to identify a specific medical condition known as a cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy in the mid-cervical region. This condition involves a problem with one or more of the discs in the cervical spine, which is the portion of the spine located in the neck. The term "radiculopathy" refers to a condition where a nerve root in the cervical spine is compressed or irritated, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness that can radiate from the neck into the shoulders, arms, or hands. The "mid-cervical region" specifies that the affected area is in the middle part of the cervical spine, typically involving the C4 to C6 vertebrae. This code is crucial for healthcare providers to accurately document and communicate the diagnosis for treatment planning and insurance billing purposes.

When to use the ICD code for cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy in the mid-cervical region:

1. Presence of Cervical Disc Disorder
- Documented diagnosis of cervical disc degeneration or herniation.

2. Radiculopathy Symptoms
- Patient reports pain radiating from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand.
- Presence of numbness or tingling sensations in the upper extremities.

3. Neurological Examination Findings
- Positive findings on neurological examination indicating nerve root involvement.
- Muscle weakness in the upper extremities corresponding to affected nerve roots.

4. Imaging Studies
- MRI or CT scan results confirming cervical disc pathology.
- Evidence of nerve root compression or other structural abnormalities.

5. Duration of Symptoms
- Symptoms persisting for a specific duration, typically more than a few weeks.
- Chronic symptoms that have not improved with conservative treatment.

6. Impact on Daily Activities
- Documented limitations in daily activities or occupational functioning due to symptoms.
- Patient-reported difficulties in performing tasks that require arm or hand use.

7. Response to Treatment
- Lack of improvement or worsening of symptoms despite conservative management (e.g., physical therapy, medications).
- Consideration of surgical intervention if conservative measures fail.

By adhering to these diagnostic criteria and symptoms, healthcare providers can accurately determine when to utilize the appropriate ICD code for cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy in the mid-cervical region.

For the ICD code M50.12, which pertains to cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy in the mid-cervical region, the relevant CPT codes that may be applicable for treatment include:

1. CPT 62322 - Injection(s), of diagnostic or therapeutic substance(s) (e.g., anesthetic, antispasmodic, opioid, steroid, other solution), not including neurolytic substances, including needle or catheter placement, interlaminar epidural or subarachnoid, cervical or thoracic; without imaging guidance.

2. CPT 62323 - Injection(s), of diagnostic or therapeutic substance(s) (e.g., anesthetic, antispasmodic, opioid, steroid, other solution), not including neurolytic substances, including needle or catheter placement, interlaminar epidural or subarachnoid, cervical or thoracic; with imaging guidance (i.e., fluoroscopy or CT).

3. CPT 63020 - Laminotomy (hemilaminectomy), with decompression of nerve root(s), including partial facetectomy, foraminotomy and/or excision of herniated intervertebral disc; one interspace, cervical.

4. CPT 63075 - Anterior cervical discectomy, with decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve root(s), including osteophytectomy; single interspace.

5. CPT 22551 - Arthrodesis, anterior interbody technique, including minimal discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression); cervical below C2.

6. CPT 22845 - Anterior instrumentation; 2 to 3 vertebral segments (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure).

These CPT codes are examples of procedures that may be performed to address the condition associated with ICD code M50.12. It is important for healthcare providers to verify the specific procedures and services rendered to ensure accurate coding and billing.

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