Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

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Question: I-m trying to find a diagnosis code for cervical radiculopathy, but I can't find it anywhere. Where should I be looking?

Texas Subscriber

Answer: ICD-9 code 723.4 is the correct diagnosis code for cervical radiculopathy.

The alphabetic index for radiculopathy in your ICD-9 manual instructs you to see also Radiculitis.""" Under radiculitis" there is a specific anatomic listing for cervical radiculitis that directs you to look at code 723.4 (Brachia neuritis or radiculitis NOS).

Note that under the ICD-9 tabular section listing for 723.4 you also will see ""Cervical radiculitis"" and ""Radicular syndrome of upper limbs"" as other acceptable conditions for this code

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