Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Question: What ICD-9 code should I report for cervical facet arthritis?

                                                                                                                                                                         Rhode Island Subscriber

 Answer: Your best bet is a 721.x code. Coders have come to rely on 721.0 (Cervical spondylosis without myelopathy) for cervical spondylosis as well as cervical arthritis, cervical osteoarthritis, and cervical spondylarthritis.

Here's why: Look under "arthritis, cervical" in the ICD-9 alphabetic index, and you-ll find "see also Spondylosis, cervical" and code 721.0. Spondylosis is an ankylosis of the vertebral bones or a degeneration of the spinal column, including an immobilization of the vertebral bones.

Given these choices, your best diagnosis code depends on the specifics of your physician's documentation.

Example: You should look to 721.1 (Cervical spondylosis with myelopathy) if your provider includes documentation of myelopathy (which is damage to the spinal cord from compression or another condition).