Wiki Regarding Cervical Radicular Pain and Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease Coding

[ShobihaaS]

I have come across a scenario where a patient is marked with cervical radicular pain and cervical degenerative disc disease. The initial diagnosis codes we have documented are M54.12 (cervical radiculopathy) and M50.30 (other cervical disc degeneration). However, the clinic is requesting us to document it as M50.10.
Is this correct? Is M50.10 a combined code for both conditions?

To clarify, M50.10 (cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy, unspecified cervical region) is a more general code that could apply if both conditions were bundled together. However, M50.10 is not a combination code for cervical radicular pain and cervical degenerative disc disease.

Since we have the more specific codes available — M54.12 for cervical radiculopathy and M50.30 for cervical degenerative disc disease — it is more accurate and compliant to use these specific codes rather than M50.10, which is less detailed.

diagnosis codes, diagnosis coding

 

[whatwouldyousay]

Reference the ICD-10 Index Degeneration --> Intervertebral Disc, with radiculitis or radiculopathy - See Disorder, disc, with radiculopathy.

diagnosis codes, diagnosis coding

 

[ShobihaaS]

Reference the ICD-10 Index Degeneration --> Intervertebral Disc, with radiculitis or radiculopathy - See Disorder, disc, with radiculopathy.

Thanks for the reference.

diagnosis codes, diagnosis coding

 

[msreddoch]

In the scenario you described, where the patient has cervical radicular pain and cervical degenerative disc disease, the clinic’s request to use M50.10 (cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy, unspecified cervical region) can be appropriate, depending on the documentation and clinical intent. While M54.12 (cervical radiculopathy) and M50.30 (other cervical disc degeneration) are more specific codes that separately address the radiculopathy and degenerative disc disease, M50.10 is a valid option when the radiculopathy is directly linked to a cervical disc disorder, such as degeneration or herniation, and the specific region isn’t further detailed.
M50.10 isn’t a "combination code" in the sense of merging two unrelated conditions—it’s a single code that captures a cervical disc disorder causing radiculopathy. If the documentation supports that the radicular pain stems from the degenerative disc issue (e.g., a herniated or degenerated disc compressing a nerve root), M50.10 accurately reflects this relationship. Using M54.12 and M50.30 separately could imply two distinct issues, which might not align with the clinical picture if the degeneration is the root cause of the radiculopathy.
That said, specificity is key in ICD-10 coding. If the region (e.g., mid-cervical, high-cervical) or a more precise cause is documented, a more specific code like M50.12 or M50.13 might be preferable. But without that level of detail, M50.10 is correct and sufficient. I’d suggest confirming with the clinic that the intent is to link the radiculopathy to the disc disorder, and if so, M50.10 is the right choice here.

diagnosis codes, diagnosis coding

 

[ShobihaaS]

In the scenario you described, where the patient has cervical radicular pain and cervical degenerative disc disease, the clinic’s request to use M50.10 (cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy, unspecified cervical region) can be appropriate, depending on the documentation and clinical intent. While M54.12 (cervical radiculopathy) and M50.30 (other cervical disc degeneration) are more specific codes that separately address the radiculopathy and degenerative disc disease, M50.10 is a valid option when the radiculopathy is directly linked to a cervical disc disorder, such as degeneration or herniation, and the specific region isn’t further detailed.
M50.10 isn’t a "combination code" in the sense of merging two unrelated conditions—it’s a single code that captures a cervical disc disorder causing radiculopathy. If the documentation supports that the radicular pain stems from the degenerative disc issue (e.g., a herniated or degenerated disc compressing a nerve root), M50.10 accurately reflects this relationship. Using M54.12 and M50.30 separately could imply two distinct issues, which might not align with the clinical picture if the degeneration is the root cause of the radiculopathy.
That said, specificity is key in ICD-10 coding. If the region (e.g., mid-cervical, high-cervical) or a more precise cause is documented, a more specific code like M50.12 or M50.13 might be preferable. But without that level of detail, M50.10 is correct and sufficient. I’d suggest confirming with the clinic that the intent is to link the radiculopathy to the disc disorder, and if so, M50.10 is the right choice here.

Thank you for the details explanation! Appreciate your help.

diagnosis codes, diagnosis coding

 

[RobynKing]

I agree with all the above but I have been getting degenerative spondylosis, usually of the c spine. Where would you go for that? Other spondylosis?

diagnosis codes, diagnosis coding