ICD Code M51.87

ICD code M51.87 is used to identify and classify other intervertebral disc disorders specifically located in the lumbosacral region of the spine. This code is part of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) system, which is used by healthcare providers to document and categorize various health conditions for billing, reporting, and statistical purposes. The lumbosacral region refers to the lower part of the spine where the lumbar spine meets the sacrum. Disorders in this area can include a range of issues such as disc degeneration, herniation, or other abnormalities that affect the intervertebral discs, potentially leading to symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back and legs. Proper coding of such conditions is crucial for accurate medical records and effective revenue cycle management.

When to use the ICD code M5187 for other intervertebral disc disorders in the lumbosacral region, consider the following diagnostic criteria and symptoms:

1. Presence of Lumbosacral Pain
- Patient reports pain localized in the lower back region.

2. Radiating Pain
- Pain radiating down the legs, potentially indicating nerve involvement.

3. Neurological Symptoms
- Presence of numbness, tingling, or weakness in the lower extremities.

4. Limited Range of Motion
- Reduced flexibility or mobility in the lumbar spine during physical examination.

5. History of Trauma or Injury
- Recent history of trauma or injury to the lower back that may contribute to disc disorders.

6. Chronic Symptoms
- Symptoms persisting for an extended period, typically more than three months.

7. Imaging Findings
- MRI or CT scan results indicating abnormalities in the intervertebral discs, such as degeneration or herniation.

8. Failure of Conservative Treatment
- Lack of improvement after conservative management approaches, such as physical therapy or medication.

9. Associated Conditions
- Presence of other musculoskeletal disorders or conditions that may exacerbate disc issues.

10. Functional Impairment
- Difficulty performing daily activities due to pain or discomfort in the lumbosacral region.

These criteria should guide healthcare providers in determining the appropriate use of the ICD code M5187 for documentation and billing purposes.

For the ICD code M51.87, which pertains to other intervertebral disc disorders 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 level; lumbar, with CT.

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 examples of procedures that may be performed to address conditions associated with the ICD code M51.87. It is important for healthcare providers to select the appropriate CPT code based on the specific treatment and procedures performed for each patient.

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