ICD Code M50.122

ICD code M50.122 is used to identify a specific medical condition involving the cervical spine. This code indicates a disorder of the cervical disc located between the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae (C5-C6) that is accompanied by radiculopathy. Radiculopathy refers to a condition where one or more nerves are affected and do not work properly, which can result in pain, weakness, numbness, or difficulty controlling specific muscles. In this case, the radiculopathy is associated with the cervical region of the spine, which can affect the neck, shoulders, arms, and 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 C5-C6 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 C5-C6 level.

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.
- 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 C5-C6 level.
- Evidence of foraminal narrowing or spinal canal stenosis impacting nerve roots.

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

6. Response to Conservative Treatment
- Lack of improvement with conservative management strategies 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 cervical disc disorders with radiculopathy.

For the ICD code M50.122, which pertains to a cervical disc disorder at the C5-C6 level with radiculopathy, the relevant CPT codes that may be applicable for treatment include:

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

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

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

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

5. 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.

6. CPT 20930 - Allograft, morselized, or placement of osteopromotive material, for spine surgery only.

These CPT codes are commonly associated with surgical interventions for cervical disc disorders with radiculopathy. It's important for healthcare providers to verify the specific procedures performed and ensure accurate coding based on the services rendered.

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