ICD Code M50.120

ICD code M50120 is used to identify a mid-cervical disc disorder at an unspecified level. This code is part of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) system, which is used by healthcare providers to classify and code all diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures. Specifically, M50120 refers to a condition affecting the intervertebral discs located in the middle section of the cervical spine, which is the neck region. The term "unspecified level" indicates that the exact location within the mid-cervical region is not detailed in the medical documentation. This code helps in standardizing the diagnosis for billing, treatment planning, and statistical purposes.

When to use the ICD code M50120 for mid-cervical disc disorder, unspecified level:

1. Patient Presentation:

- Patient reports neck pain or discomfort.

- Patient experiences radiating pain into the shoulders or arms.

2. Physical Examination Findings:

- Limited range of motion in the cervical spine.

- Tenderness upon palpation of the cervical region.

3. Neurological Symptoms:

- Numbness or tingling sensations in the upper extremities.

- Weakness in the arms or hands.

4. Imaging Results:

- MRI or CT scan indicates disc degeneration or herniation in the cervical region.

- Imaging shows no specific level of involvement but confirms disc disorder.

5. Duration of Symptoms:

- Symptoms have persisted for a significant period, typically more than a few weeks.

- Symptoms are chronic or recurrent in nature.

6. Response to Conservative Treatment:

- Lack of improvement with conservative management such as physical therapy or medication.

- Symptoms may worsen despite treatment efforts.

7. Exclusion of Other Conditions:

- Other potential causes of cervical pain (e.g., fractures, tumors, infections) have been ruled out.

- No evidence of inflammatory or systemic diseases affecting the cervical spine.

By adhering to these diagnostic criteria and symptoms, healthcare providers can accurately determine the appropriateness of using the ICD code M50120.

For the ICD code M50120, which pertains to a mid-cervical disc disorder at an unspecified level, the relevant CPT codes that may be applicable for treatment include:

1. CPT 62270 - Spinal puncture, lumbar, diagnostic.

2. CPT 62290 - Injection procedure for discography, each level; cervical or thoracic.

3. CPT 62321 - 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).

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

5. CPT 63075 - Anterior cervical discectomy, single interspace.

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

7. CPT 22853 - Insertion of interbody biomechanical device(s) (e.g., synthetic cage, mesh) with integral anterior instrumentation for device anchoring (e.g., screws, flanges), when performed, to intervertebral disc space in conjunction with interbody arthrodesis, each interspace (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure).

These CPT codes are commonly associated with procedures that may be performed to address conditions related to the mid-cervical disc disorder indicated by ICD code M50120. It is important for healthcare providers to verify the specific clinical scenario and documentation to ensure accurate coding and billing.

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