ICD Code M51.379

ICD code M51.379 is used to identify a specific medical condition related to the spine. It refers to "Other intervertebral disc degeneration" occurring in the lumbosacral region, which is the lower part of the spine where the lumbar spine meets the sacrum. This code is specifically used when there is degeneration of the intervertebral discs in this area, but without any mention of associated lumbar back pain or pain radiating to the lower extremities. This distinction is important for healthcare providers to accurately document and code the patient's condition for treatment planning and billing purposes.

When to use the ICD code M51379:

1. Diagnosis of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
- Confirmed diagnosis of degeneration in the intervertebral discs located in the lumbosacral region.

2. Absence of Lumbar Back Pain
- Patient does not report or exhibit symptoms of lumbar back pain.

3. Absence of Lower Extremity Pain
- Patient does not report or exhibit symptoms of pain radiating to the lower extremities.

4. Imaging Findings
- Radiological evidence (e.g., MRI, CT scan) indicating degeneration of intervertebral discs in the lumbosacral region without associated pain symptoms.

5. Clinical Evaluation
- Comprehensive clinical evaluation confirming the diagnosis without the presence of pain symptoms typically associated with intervertebral disc issues.

6. Exclusion of Other Conditions
- Other potential causes of back pain or lower extremity pain have been ruled out through diagnostic testing and clinical assessment.

7. Chronic Condition
- The condition is chronic in nature, indicating a long-standing issue with intervertebral disc degeneration.

8. No Associated Neurological Symptoms
- Absence of neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the lower extremities.

9. Patient History
- Patient history does not indicate previous episodes of back pain or related conditions that could complicate the diagnosis.

10. Treatment Plan
- The treatment plan does not involve interventions typically associated with pain management for lumbar or lower extremity pain.

For the ICD code M51.379, which pertains to other intervertebral disc degeneration in the lumbosacral region without mention of lumbar back pain or lower extremity pain, the relevant CPT codes that may be applicable for treatment include:

1. CPT 62290 - Injection procedure for discography, each level; lumbar.

2. 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).

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. CPT 22558 - Arthrodesis, anterior interbody technique, including minimal discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression); lumbar.

These CPT codes are examples of procedures that may be performed to address conditions associated with the ICD code M51.379. It is important for healthcare providers to select the appropriate CPT code based on the specific treatment plan and clinical scenario.

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