M96.1
Postlaminectomy syndrome, not elsewhere classified
Currently, I was unable to find an AHA Coding Clinic reference for the ICD-10 code for cervical, thoracic, lumbar or unspecified region, post-laminectomy syndrome under M96.1 But when reviewing past Coding Clinic published articles for ICD-9 722.83 as seen below, it gives an idea of how to apply the code in the various circumstances it may be looked towards when billing.
AHA CODING CLINIC
1997
Issue: Second
Title: Clarification - postlaminectomy syndrome
Question:
What constitutes postlaminectomy syndrome? When is it appropriate to assign code 722.83, Postlamaminectomy syndrome?
Answer:
Postlaminectomy syndrome is a buildup of scar tissue after a laminectomy has been performed. This condition is basically untreatable. The patient is in constant pain and the physician documents that this is due to the scar tissue that has formed following the disk surgery. Code 722.83 would be appropriate in this type of situation.
1997
Issue: Second
Title: Clarification - back pain post disc surgery
Question:
If a patient comes in with a disc displacement and has a laminectomy performed and postoperatively the patient still experiences pain in the back, can code 722.83, Postlaminectomy syndrome, be assigned?
Answer:
If the physician performs an MRI and this shows a new herniated disc, then a code for the herniated disc should be assigned. However, if no test are done and the physician documents that the pain is due to the formation of scar tissue, then code 722.83 would be appropriate.
1997
Issue: Second
Title: Clarification - discogenic pain status post laminectomy
Body:
Question:
Would discogenic pain (status post laminectomy) qualify for code assignment 722.83, Postlaminectomy syndrome?
Answer:
Again, this would depend upon the results of the MRI (if one is done). However, if the physician documents that the pain is due to the formation of scar tissue, then code 722.83 would be appropriate.