ICD Code M51.360

ICD code M51.360 is used to classify a medical diagnosis where there is degeneration of the intervertebral disc specifically in the lumbar region of the spine, and this condition is associated solely with discogenic back pain. This means that the deterioration of the disc is causing pain that originates from the disc itself, without any other complications or symptoms such as nerve root involvement. This code helps healthcare providers accurately document and communicate the specific nature of the patient's back pain for treatment planning and insurance billing purposes.

When to use the ICD code M51360:

1. Diagnosis of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
- Confirmed diagnosis of other intervertebral disc degeneration in the lumbar region.

2. Presence of Discogenic Back Pain
- Patient reports back pain that is specifically attributed to disc degeneration.

3. Exclusion of Other Causes
- Other potential causes of back pain have been ruled out through clinical evaluation and diagnostic imaging.

4. Chronic Symptoms
- Symptoms have persisted for a significant duration, typically longer than three months.

5. Functional Impairment
- The patient experiences limitations in daily activities or work due to the back pain.

6. Response to Conservative Treatment
- The patient has undergone conservative treatment measures (e.g., physical therapy, medication) without significant improvement.

7. Documentation of Symptoms
- Detailed documentation of the patient's symptoms, including pain intensity, location, and any associated neurological symptoms.

8. Follow-Up Evaluations
- Regular follow-up evaluations indicate ongoing issues related to the intervertebral disc degeneration.

9. Patient History
- Relevant patient history, including previous back injuries or surgeries, is documented.

10. Imaging Results
- Imaging studies (e.g., MRI, CT scans) support the diagnosis of intervertebral disc degeneration in the lumbar region.

For the ICD code M51.360, which pertains to other intervertebral disc degeneration in the lumbar region with discogenic back pain only, the relevant CPT codes that may be applicable 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 (e.g., fluoroscopy or CT).

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

5. CPT 64484 - Injection(s), anesthetic agent and/or steroid, transforaminal epidural; lumbar or sacral, each additional level.

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

These CPT codes are examples of procedures that might be performed to address the condition described by ICD code M51.360. It is important for healthcare providers to verify the specific procedures and services rendered to ensure accurate coding and billing.

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