ICD Code M50.121

ICD code M50.121 is used to identify a specific medical condition affecting the cervical spine, particularly at the C4-C5 level. This code indicates a cervical disc disorder, which involves issues with the intervertebral discs located between the fourth and fifth cervical vertebrae. The condition is accompanied by radiculopathy, a condition where nerve roots are compressed or irritated, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness radiating from the neck into the shoulders, arms, or hands. This code is crucial for healthcare providers to accurately document and communicate the patient's diagnosis for treatment planning and insurance billing purposes.

When to use the ICD code for a cervical disc disorder at the C4-C5 level with radiculopathy, consider the following diagnostic criteria and symptoms:

1. Clinical Diagnosis of Cervical Disc Disorder
- Confirmed presence of a cervical disc disorder specifically at the C4-C5 level.

2. Radiculopathy Symptoms
- Patient reports radiating pain 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 specific muscle groups innervated by the affected nerve root.

4. Imaging Studies
- MRI or CT scan results showing disc herniation or degeneration at the C4-C5 level.
- Evidence of foraminal narrowing or spinal canal stenosis affecting nerve roots.

5. Duration of Symptoms
- Symptoms persisting for a specific duration, typically more than 6 weeks, indicating chronicity.

6. Response to Conservative Treatment
- Lack of improvement with conservative management options such as physical therapy, medications, or injections.

7. Exclusion of Other Conditions
- Ruling out other potential causes of radiculopathy, such as tumors, infections, or other spinal pathologies.

8. Patient History
- Relevant history of trauma or repetitive strain that may contribute to the cervical disc disorder.

By adhering to these criteria, healthcare providers can ensure accurate coding and appropriate documentation for the condition.

For the ICD code M50.121, which pertains to a cervical disc disorder at the C4-C5 level with radiculopathy, the relevant CPT codes that may be applicable for treatment include:

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

2. CPT 22551 - Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, single interspace.

3. CPT 22845 - Anterior instrumentation for spinal surgery, single level.

4. CPT 20930 - Allograft for spine surgery only; morselized.

5. CPT 20931 - Allograft for spine surgery only; structural.

6. CPT 22853 - Insertion of interbody biomechanical device(s) (e.g., synthetic cage(s), mesh(es), methylmethacrylate) with integral anterior instrumentation for device anchoring, when performed, to intervertebral disc space in the cervical spine.

7. CPT 22854 - Insertion of intervertebral biomechanical device(s) (e.g., synthetic cage(s), mesh(es), methylmethacrylate) with integral anterior instrumentation for device anchoring, when performed, to intervertebral disc space in the cervical spine, with discectomy.

These CPT codes are typically used in surgical procedures aimed at addressing cervical disc disorders with radiculopathy. It is important for healthcare providers to verify the specific procedures performed and ensure accurate coding for reimbursement purposes.

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