jalabergeron
Contributor
Hi fellow inpatient coders! I would love your thoughts on coding myelopathy for spinal fusion surgeries. Since myelopathy can change the DRG, I wonder how fellow coders would approach coding myelopathy with the way our op notes are dictated (we have tried to get more specific diagnoses but hasn't happened yet). Should I simply code M50.01 for the C3-C4 level and place as a primary diagnosis? Any thoughts are appreciated!
Diagnosis:
1. C3-C4 spinal stenosis secondary to spondylosis and osteophyte, herniated disc.
2. Cervical Radiculopathy
3. C3-C4 Degenerative Disc Disease
4. Spinal Cord compression with myelopathy.
Procedure:
C3-C4 arthrodesis, anterior interbody, discectomy, decompression
Diagnosis:
1. C3-C4 spinal stenosis secondary to spondylosis and osteophyte, herniated disc.
2. Cervical Radiculopathy
3. C3-C4 Degenerative Disc Disease
4. Spinal Cord compression with myelopathy.
Procedure:
C3-C4 arthrodesis, anterior interbody, discectomy, decompression