ICD Code M51.17

ICD code M51.17 is used to classify and document a medical diagnosis related to intervertebral disc disorders with radiculopathy specifically in the lumbosacral region. This code indicates that a patient is experiencing issues with the discs located between the vertebrae in the lower back, which are causing nerve root irritation or compression. This condition often results in symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness that can radiate from the lower back into the legs. Proper coding of this condition is crucial for accurate medical billing and ensuring that healthcare providers receive appropriate reimbursement for the services rendered.

When to use the ICD code M5117:

1. Presence of Intervertebral Disc Disorder
- Documented diagnosis of intervertebral disc disorder in the lumbosacral region.

2. Radiculopathy Symptoms
- Patient reports symptoms consistent with radiculopathy, such as:
- Pain radiating down the leg(s)
- Numbness or tingling in the lower extremities
- Muscle weakness in the legs or feet

3. Clinical Examination Findings
- Positive neurological examination indicating nerve root involvement, including:
- Decreased reflexes in the affected limb(s)
- Sensory deficits corresponding to specific nerve roots

4. Imaging Studies
- MRI or CT scan results confirming the presence of disc herniation or degeneration affecting nerve roots in the lumbosacral region.

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

6. Impact on Daily Activities
- Documented impact on the patient’s ability to perform daily activities or work due to pain or neurological deficits.

7. Response to Conservative Treatment
- Evidence that conservative treatment measures (e.g., physical therapy, medication) have been attempted without significant improvement.

8. Exclusion of Other Conditions
- Ruling out other potential causes of radiculopathy or lower back pain, such as fractures, tumors, or infections.

By adhering to these diagnostic criteria and symptoms, healthcare providers can accurately determine the appropriate use of the ICD code M5117.

For the ICD code M51.17, which pertains to intervertebral disc disorders with radiculopathy in the lumbosacral region, the relevant CPT codes that may be applicable for treatment include:

1. CPT 62290 - Injection procedure for discography, each level; lumbar.

2. CPT 62291 - Injection procedure for discography, each additional level; lumbar.

3. CPT 62323 - 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, lumbar or sacral (caudal); with imaging guidance (i.e., fluoroscopy or CT).

4. CPT 63030 - Laminotomy (hemilaminectomy), with decompression of nerve root(s), including partial facetectomy, foraminotomy and/or excision of herniated intervertebral disc; 1 interspace, lumbar.

5. CPT 63047 - Laminectomy, facetectomy and foraminotomy (unilateral or bilateral with decompression of spinal cord, cauda equina and/or nerve root(s), (e.g., spinal or lateral recess stenosis)), single vertebral segment; lumbar.

6. CPT 64483 - Injection(s), anesthetic agent and/or steroid, transforaminal epidural; lumbar or sacral, single level.

7. CPT 64635 - Destruction by neurolytic agent, paravertebral facet joint nerve(s), with imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or CT); lumbar or sacral, single facet joint.

These CPT codes are commonly associated with procedures that may be performed to address conditions related to the ICD code M51.17. It is important for healthcare providers to verify the specific procedures and documentation requirements to ensure accurate coding and billing.

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