ICD Code M50.920

ICD code M50920 is used to identify an unspecified cervical disc disorder located in the mid-cervical region of the spine, without specifying the exact level of the disorder. This code is typically used when a healthcare provider diagnoses a patient with a cervical disc issue that affects the middle section of the cervical spine but does not have enough information to pinpoint the precise vertebrae involved. This can include conditions such as disc degeneration or herniation, where the specific details are not fully determined or documented.

When to use the ICD code M50920 for unspecified cervical disc disorder, mid-cervical region, unspecified level:

1. Patient Symptoms:
- Persistent neck pain or discomfort
- Radiating pain into the shoulders or arms
- Numbness or tingling sensations in the upper extremities
- Muscle weakness in the arms or hands
- Limited range of motion in the neck

2. Diagnostic Imaging Findings:
- MRI or CT scan indicating disc degeneration or herniation in the cervical region
- Absence of specific findings that would classify the disorder as a more defined condition

3. Clinical Evaluation:
- Physical examination revealing tenderness in the cervical spine
- Positive neurological examination indicating potential nerve root involvement
- Exclusion of other cervical spine pathologies (e.g., fractures, tumors)

4. Duration of Symptoms:
- Symptoms persisting for an extended period (typically more than a few weeks) without clear resolution

5. Response to Initial Treatment:
- Lack of improvement with conservative management strategies (e.g., physical therapy, medications)

6. Patient History:
- History of previous cervical spine issues or trauma
- No prior definitive diagnosis related to the current symptoms

7. Referral to Specialist:
- Referral to a specialist (e.g., neurologist or orthopedic surgeon) for further evaluation when symptoms are persistent or worsening

Using the ICD code M50920 is appropriate when these diagnostic criteria and symptoms are present, indicating an unspecified cervical disc disorder in the mid-cervical region.

For the ICD code M50920, which pertains to an unspecified cervical disc disorder in the mid-cervical region 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; one interspace, cervical.

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

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

These CPT codes are commonly associated with procedures that may be performed to address conditions related to the ICD code M50920. It is important for healthcare providers to verify the specific treatment plan and ensure accurate coding based on the services rendered.

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