ICD Code M51.370

ICD code M51.370 is used to identify a medical condition characterized by the degeneration of intervertebral discs specifically in the lumbosacral region, which is the lower part of the spine where the lumbar spine meets the sacrum. This degeneration is associated with discogenic back pain, meaning the pain originates from the damaged discs themselves. This code is utilized by healthcare providers to accurately document and communicate this specific diagnosis for billing, treatment planning, and statistical purposes.

When to use the ICD code M51370:

1. Presence of Disc Degeneration
- Evidence of intervertebral disc degeneration in the lumbosacral region, confirmed through imaging studies (e.g., MRI, CT scans).

2. Discogenic Back Pain
- Patient reports back pain that is specifically attributed to disc degeneration, characterized by:
- Pain that worsens with certain movements or positions.
- Pain that may radiate to the lower extremities.

3. Exclusion of Other Causes
- Other potential causes of back pain have been ruled out, including:
- Fractures
- Tumors
- Infections
- Other spinal pathologies

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

5. Functional Impairment
- The back pain is affecting the patient's daily activities or quality of life, leading to limitations in mobility or function.

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

7. Documentation of Symptoms
- Detailed documentation of the patient's symptoms, including onset, duration, intensity, and any aggravating or alleviating factors.

8. Assessment of Neurological Symptoms
- Evaluation for any neurological symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the lower extremities, to ensure they are not present.

By adhering to these diagnostic criteria, healthcare providers can accurately determine the appropriateness of using the ICD code M51370 in their documentation and billing processes.

For the ICD code M51.370, which pertains to other intervertebral disc degeneration in the lumbosacral region with discogenic back pain only, 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 22551 - Arthrodesis, anterior interbody technique, including minimal discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression); 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 typically used in the context of procedures that address disc degeneration and associated back pain in the lumbosacral region. It is important for healthcare providers to verify the specific procedures and services covered under these codes, as well as any payer-specific guidelines that may apply.

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