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M50.90
ICD-10-CM
Cervical Disc Disorders

Find information on Cervical Disc Disorders including diagnosis codes, clinical documentation tips, and treatment options for Cervical Myelopathy and Cervical Radiculopathy. Learn about the connection between Cervical Disc Disorders and Neck Pain. This resource provides healthcare professionals with key insights for accurate medical coding and improved patient care related to cervical spine conditions.

Also known as

Cervical Myelopathy
Cervical Radiculopathy
Neck Pain

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Degeneration or damage to the discs between cervical vertebrae, causing neck pain and/or nerve compression.
  • Clinical Signs : Neck stiffness, arm pain/weakness/numbness, radiating pain to shoulder/head, limited neck movement.
  • Common Settings : Outpatient clinics, physical therapy, pain management centers, spine surgery centers.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC M50.90 Coding
M50-M54

Dorsalgia

Covers pain in the back, including the cervical region.

G99

Other disorders of nervous system

Includes unspecified disorders of the nervous system, sometimes used for cervical myelopathy or radiculopathy when a more specific code isn't available.

M47-M49

Spondylosis, intervertebral disc disorders

Encompasses various degenerative spinal conditions, including those affecting the cervical discs.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Myelopathy present?

  • Yes

    Trauma related?

  • No

    Radiculopathy present?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Neck pain with nerve root compression.
Neck pain with spinal cord compression.
General neck pain, unspecified cause.

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document cervical disc disorder specifics: C-spine level, laterality, type (e.g., herniation, stenosis).
  • ICD-10 code M50-M54, confirm with clinical findings for accurate medical coding.
  • Specify if myelopathy or radiculopathy: document neurological exam findings (e.g., reflexes, strength).
  • Neck pain characteristics: onset, location, quality, radiation, associated symptoms for proper diagnosis coding.
  • Imaging results (MRI, CT): correlation with symptoms and physical exam for complete documentation.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Specificity of Neck Pain

    Coding neck pain (M54.2) without specifying underlying cervical disc disorder can lead to downcoding and lost revenue. CDI crucial.

  • Myelopathy vs. Radiculopathy

    Incorrectly differentiating myelopathy (G99.2) and radiculopathy (M54.1) impacts severity and reimbursement. Requires physician clarification.

  • Documentation for Disc Disorder

    Lack of detailed disc disorder documentation (e.g., location, type) may cause coding errors and compliance issues. CDI specialist query needed.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document radicular symptoms for Cervical Radiculopathy ICD-10 M50.1
  • Code specific nerve root for Cervical Radiculopathy (e.g., C7)
  • Distinguish Neck Pain (M54.2) from Myelopathy (G99.2)
  • Document symptom duration and severity for accurate CDI
  • Assess functional impact for optimal care and coding

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify neck pain, stiffness, or limited ROM. ICD-10: M50, M51
  • Assess for radicular symptoms (pain, numbness, weakness) in arm(s). ICD-10: M54.1
  • Evaluate for myelopathy signs (gait, reflexes, bowel/bladder). ICD-10: G99.2
  • Review imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) for disc herniation/degeneration. CPT: 72040, 72125, 72148
  • Document neurological exam findings for patient safety and coding accuracy.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Cervical Disc Disorders (C) reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 coding (M47, M50, M53) for optimal payment.
  • Coding quality directly impacts Cervical Myelopathy/Radiculopathy claims. Proper documentation is crucial for appropriate reimbursement.
  • Hospital reporting on Neck Pain and related Cervical Disc issues affects quality metrics and resource allocation.
  • Accurate coding and documentation for Cervical Disc Disorders minimize denials and improve revenue cycle management.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What are the key differentiating clinical features between cervical radiculopathy and cervical myelopathy, and how can these inform my diagnosis?

A: While both cervical radiculopathy and cervical myelopathy stem from cervical disc disorders and can present with neck pain, they affect different parts of the nervous system and manifest distinct clinical features. Cervical radiculopathy, caused by compression of a nerve root, typically presents with unilateral radiating pain, numbness, tingling, and/or weakness along the affected nerve's dermatomal distribution in the arm and hand. In contrast, cervical myelopathy, resulting from spinal cord compression, often presents with more diffuse symptoms, including bilateral hand clumsiness, gait disturbances, balance problems, and bowel or bladder dysfunction. Hyperreflexia and a positive Hoffman's sign can also be observed in cervical myelopathy. Accurate diagnosis requires a thorough neurological examination, including assessment of reflexes, muscle strength, sensation, and range of motion. Imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, can confirm the diagnosis and reveal the underlying cause of compression, whether it's a herniated disc, spondylosis, or other pathology. Consider implementing a comprehensive neurological evaluation protocol to differentiate between these conditions accurately and guide appropriate treatment. Explore how advanced imaging techniques can help visualize the extent of spinal cord compression in cervical myelopathy.

Q: How can I effectively differentiate mechanical neck pain from cervical radiculopathy caused by a cervical disc herniation in my differential diagnosis?

A: Differentiating mechanical neck pain from cervical radiculopathy due to a cervical disc herniation requires careful assessment of the patient's history, physical examination findings, and imaging studies. Mechanical neck pain typically presents with localized pain and stiffness in the neck, often aggravated by certain movements or postures, but without radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the extremities. Cervical radiculopathy, on the other hand, involves nerve root compression and manifests with radiating pain, paresthesias, and/or weakness in the arm and hand corresponding to the affected nerve root's dermatome. Spurling's test and the upper limb tension test can be helpful in identifying radicular involvement. MRI is the preferred imaging modality for confirming the presence of a cervical disc herniation and assessing the extent of nerve root compression. Learn more about specific orthopedic tests used in the diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy and explore how different imaging modalities can aid in distinguishing between these conditions. Consider implementing standardized diagnostic criteria to ensure consistency and accuracy in your assessments.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code C50-C51 for Cervical Disc Disorders
  • Document radicular vs myelopathic symptoms
  • Specify laterality: right, left, bilateral
  • Query physician for clarity if unsure
  • Consider M50 if related to whiplash

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with cervical disc disorders, including neck pain radiating to the shoulder and arm.  Symptoms include localized cervical pain,  muscle spasms, and limited range of motion.  Differential diagnosis includes cervical radiculopathy, cervical myelopathy, degenerative disc disease, and other causes of neck pain.  Physical examination revealed tenderness to palpation in the cervical spine, positive Spurling's test suggesting nerve root compression, and decreased sensation in the affected dermatome.  Neurological examination findings indicate potential cervical nerve root involvement.  Imaging studies, including cervical X-rays and MRI of the cervical spine, were ordered to evaluate for disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and other structural abnormalities.  Assessment suggests cervical radiculopathy secondary to C5-C6 disc herniation.  Plan includes conservative management with physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and activity modification.  Patient education provided regarding proper posture, ergonomics, and home exercises.  Follow-up scheduled in two weeks to assess response to treatment and consider further interventions such as epidural steroid injections or surgical consultation if symptoms persist or worsen.  ICD-10 code M50. assigned.  Patient advised to return to clinic for any new or worsening symptoms, including weakness, numbness, or bowel or bladder dysfunction.
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