ICD Code M51.371

ICD code M51.371 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 pain that is localized to the lower extremities, such as the legs, without any accompanying back pain. This code is crucial for healthcare providers to accurately document and communicate the specific nature of the patient's condition for treatment planning, billing, and insurance purposes.

When to use the ICD code M51371, which pertains to other intervertebral disc degeneration in the lumbosacral region with lower extremity pain only, the following diagnostic criteria and symptoms should be considered:

1. Patient History:
- Documented history of lower back pain or discomfort.
- Previous diagnoses of intervertebral disc degeneration or related spinal conditions.

2. Symptomatology:
- Presence of lower extremity pain that is isolated, without significant lower back pain.
- Pain may radiate down the legs, often described as sharp, shooting, or burning.

3. Physical Examination Findings:
- Neurological examination revealing sensory deficits or motor weakness in the lower extremities.
- Positive straight leg raise test indicating nerve root irritation.

4. Imaging Studies:
- MRI or CT scans showing degeneration of intervertebral discs in the lumbosacral region.
- Absence of significant herniation or other structural abnormalities that would explain the symptoms.

5. Exclusion of Other Conditions:
- Ruling out other potential causes of lower extremity pain, such as vascular issues, peripheral neuropathy, or other musculoskeletal disorders.

6. Functional Impact:
- Assessment of how the lower extremity pain affects the patient's daily activities and quality of life.
- Documentation of any limitations in mobility or function due to the pain.

7. Treatment Response:
- Evaluation of the patient's response to conservative treatments, such as physical therapy or pain management, specifically targeting lower extremity symptoms.

By adhering to these diagnostic criteria and symptoms, healthcare providers can accurately determine the appropriateness of using the ICD code M51371 in their documentation and billing processes.

For the ICD code M51.371, which pertains to other intervertebral disc degeneration in the lumbosacral region with lower extremity pain only, the relevant CPT codes that may be applicable for treatment include:

1. 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, with imaging guidance (e.g., fluoroscopy or CT), lumbar or sacral (caudal); therapeutic.

2. 64483 - Injection(s), anesthetic agent and/or steroid, transforaminal epidural; lumbar or sacral, single level.

3. 64635 - Destruction by neurolytic agent, paravertebral facet joint nerve(s), with imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or CT); lumbar or sacral, single facet joint.

4. 22551 - Arthrodesis, anterior interbody technique, including minimal discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression); lumbar.

5. 63030 - Laminotomy (hemilaminectomy), with decompression of nerve root(s), including partial facetectomy, foraminotomy and/or excision of herniated intervertebral disc; 1 interspace, lumbar.

6. 97035 - Application of a modality to 1 or more areas; ultrasound, each 15 minutes.

7. 97110 - Therapeutic exercises to develop strength and endurance, range of motion and flexibility, each 15 minutes.

These CPT codes are examples of procedures and treatments that may be considered for addressing the condition associated with ICD code M51.371. It is important for healthcare providers to select the appropriate CPT codes based on the specific clinical scenario and treatment plan for each patient.

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