ICD Code M51.36

ICD code M51.36 is used to identify a condition characterized by the degeneration of intervertebral discs specifically located in the lumbar region 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 degeneration of intervertebral discs in the lumbar region can lead to symptoms such as lower back pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, and it may require medical intervention for management and treatment.

1. Chronic Lower Back Pain: Persistent pain in the lumbar region that has lasted for more than three months, which may not be attributable to other specific conditions.

2. Reduced Range of Motion: Noticeable limitation in the ability to move the lower back, often accompanied by stiffness, which can affect daily activities.

3. Radiating Pain: Pain that extends from the lower back down to the buttocks, thighs, or legs, often described as a sharp or burning sensation.

4. Numbness or Tingling: Sensations of numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" feeling in the lower extremities, which may indicate nerve involvement.

5. Weakness in Lower Limbs: Muscle weakness in the legs, which can affect balance and mobility, potentially leading to difficulty in walking or standing.

6. History of Spinal Degeneration: Previous diagnosis or imaging studies indicating degeneration of the intervertebral discs in the lumbar region.

7. Exclusion of Other Conditions: Ruling out other potential causes of lumbar pain and symptoms, such as fractures, infections, or tumors, through appropriate diagnostic testing.

8. Imaging Confirmation: Radiological evidence, such as MRI or CT scans, showing degeneration of the intervertebral discs in the lumbar spine.

9. Age-Related Changes: Consideration of age-related wear and tear on the spine, particularly in older adults, which may contribute to disc degeneration.

10. Impact on Quality of Life: Assessment of how the symptoms affect the patient's daily activities, work, and overall quality of life, necessitating medical intervention.

For the ICD code M51.36, which pertains to other intervertebral disc degeneration in the lumbar 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, reexploration, single 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 22533 - Arthrodesis, combined posterior or posterolateral technique with posterior interbody technique including laminectomy and/or discectomy sufficient to prepare interspace (other than for decompression), single interspace and segment; lumbar.

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; lumbar.

These CPT codes are commonly associated with procedures that may be performed to address conditions related to the ICD code M51.36. It is important for healthcare providers to select the appropriate CPT code based on the specific procedure performed and the clinical scenario.

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