ICD Code M50.123

ICD code M50.123 is used to identify a specific medical condition known as a cervical disc disorder at the C6-C7 level with radiculopathy. This condition involves a problem with one of the intervertebral discs located in the cervical spine, specifically between the sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae. 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. This code is crucial for healthcare providers to accurately document and communicate the specific nature of the cervical spine disorder for purposes such as treatment planning, billing, and insurance claims.

When to use the ICD code for a cervical disc disorder at the C6-C7 level with radiculopathy, consider the following diagnostic criteria and symptoms:

1. Presence of Cervical Disc Disorder
- Confirmed diagnosis of a cervical disc disorder specifically at the C6-C7 level.

2. Radiculopathy Symptoms
- Patient reports radiating pain, numbness, or tingling in the arm or hand.
- Weakness in the muscles of the arm or hand corresponding to the affected nerve root.

3. Neurological Examination Findings
- Positive findings on neurological examination indicating nerve root involvement.
- Reflex changes in the upper extremities consistent with C6-C7 nerve root compression.

4. Imaging Studies
- MRI or CT scan results showing disc herniation or degeneration at the C6-C7 level.
- Evidence of foraminal narrowing or spinal canal stenosis affecting the C6-C7 nerve root.

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 cervical spine pathologies.

8. Patient History
- Relevant patient history, including previous neck injuries or degenerative changes noted in prior evaluations.

By adhering to these criteria, healthcare providers can accurately determine the necessity of using the appropriate ICD code for documentation and billing purposes.

For the ICD code M50.123, which pertains to a cervical disc disorder at the C6-C7 level with radiculopathy, the relevant CPT codes that may be applicable for treatment include:

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

2. CPT 63076 - Anterior cervical discectomy, each additional interspace.

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

4. CPT 22552 - Arthrodesis, anterior interbody technique, including minimal discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression); cervical below C2, each additional interspace.

5. CPT 22845 - Anterior instrumentation; 2 to 3 vertebral segments.

6. CPT 22846 - Anterior instrumentation; 4 to 7 vertebral segments.

7. CPT 22851 - Application of intervertebral biomechanical device(s) (e.g., synthetic cage(s), methylmethacrylate) to vertebral defect or interspace.

These CPT codes are commonly associated with surgical procedures that may be performed to address the condition described by ICD code M50.123. It is important for healthcare providers to verify the specific procedures and services rendered to ensure accurate coding and billing.

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