ICD Code M51.37

ICD code M51.37 is used to identify and classify a medical diagnosis of other intervertebral disc degeneration specifically located in the lumbosacral region. This code is part of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10), which healthcare providers use to document and communicate specific health conditions. The lumbosacral region refers to the lower part of the spine where the lumbar spine meets the sacrum, and degeneration in this area can lead to symptoms such as pain, reduced mobility, and potential nerve compression. This code helps in the accurate billing and management of healthcare services related to this condition.

1. Chronic Lower Back Pain: Persistent pain in the lower back region that has lasted for more than three months, often exacerbated by physical activity or prolonged sitting.

2. Radiating Leg Pain: Pain that extends from the lower back down into the legs, often described as a sharp or burning sensation, which may indicate nerve involvement.

3. Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty in bending, twisting, or moving the lower back due to stiffness or pain, impacting daily activities.

4. Numbness or Tingling: Sensations of numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet, which may suggest nerve compression or irritation.

5. MRI or CT Scan Findings: Imaging studies showing degeneration of the intervertebral discs in the lumbosacral region, such as decreased disc height or disc desiccation.

6. History of Recurrent Back Issues: A documented history of recurrent episodes of back pain or previous diagnoses of disc-related problems in the lumbosacral area.

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

8. Failure to Respond to Conservative Treatment: Lack of significant improvement in symptoms despite undergoing conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or lifestyle modifications.

For the ICD code M51.37, which pertains to other intervertebral disc degeneration 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, 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 address issues related to intervertebral disc degeneration in the lumbosacral region. 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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