ICD Code M50.922

ICD code M50922 is used to identify an unspecified cervical disc disorder located at the C5-C6 level of the spine. 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. The C5-C6 level refers to the cervical spine, specifically the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae. An "unspecified" disorder means that while there is a recognized issue with the cervical disc at this level, the exact nature of the disorder has not been detailed in the diagnosis. This could encompass a range of conditions such as disc degeneration, herniation, or other abnormalities affecting the cervical disc at this specific location.

When to use the ICD code M50922 for unspecified cervical disc disorder at the C5-C6 level, consider the following diagnostic criteria and symptoms:

1. Patient History
- Presence of neck pain or discomfort.
- History of trauma or injury to the cervical spine.
- Previous episodes of cervical disc issues.

2. Physical Examination Findings
- Limited range of motion in the cervical spine.
- Tenderness upon palpation of the cervical region.
- Muscle spasms in the neck or upper back.

3. Neurological Symptoms
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands.
- Weakness in the upper extremities.
- Reflex changes in the upper limbs.

4. Imaging Studies
- MRI or CT scans indicating disc degeneration or herniation at the C5-C6 level.
- X-rays showing disc space narrowing or other degenerative changes.

5. Exclusion of Other Conditions
- Ruling out other cervical spine disorders, such as fractures, tumors, or infections.
- Confirmation that symptoms are not attributable to systemic diseases or other neurological conditions.

6. Duration of Symptoms
- Symptoms persisting for a significant period, typically more than a few weeks.
- Chronic pain or recurrent episodes affecting daily activities.

7. Response to Conservative Treatment
- Lack of improvement with conservative management options, such as physical therapy or medication.
- Consideration of surgical options if conservative measures fail.

By adhering to these criteria, healthcare providers can accurately determine the appropriateness of using the ICD code M50922 for documentation and billing purposes.

For the ICD code M50922, which refers to an unspecified cervical disc disorder at the C5-C6 level, the relevant CPT codes that may be applicable for treatment include:

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

2. 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).

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

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

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

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

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.

These CPT codes are commonly associated with procedures that may be performed to address cervical disc disorders at the C5-C6 level. It is important for healthcare providers to verify the specific procedures and services rendered to ensure accurate coding and billing.

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