Find information on radiculopathy diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 codes), and healthcare resources. Learn about symptoms, causes, and treatment options for radiculopathy. This resource provides guidance on accurate medical coding for radiculopathy and best practices for clinical documentation to support proper diagnosis and billing. Explore relevant healthcare information related to cervical radiculopathy, lumbar radiculopathy, and thoracic radiculopathy.
Also known as
Radiculopathy
Pain and other symptoms due to compressed spinal nerves.
Nerve disorders
Includes various nerve conditions like carpal tunnel and trigeminal neuralgia.
Spondylosis with radiculopathy
Radiculopathy specifically caused by spinal degeneration.
Intervertebral disc disorders
Disc problems, a common cause of radiculopathy.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the site of the radiculopathy documented?
Yes
Is the cause documented?
No
Query physician for site of radiculopathy. Consider M54.9 for unspecified radiculopathy if query is unsuccessful.
When to use each related code
Description |
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Pinched nerve root, causing pain, numbness, weakness. |
Peripheral nerve damage, causing numbness, tingling, weakness. |
Spinal cord compression, causing pain, weakness, bowel/bladder dysfunction. |
Coding radiculopathy without laterality or specific nerve root can lead to claim denials and lost revenue due to lack of specificity.
Insufficient documentation linking radiculopathy to underlying cause (e.g., herniated disc) hinders accurate coding and CDI efforts for proper reimbursement.
Assigning the wrong anatomical site for radiculopathy (cervical, thoracic, lumbosacral) impacts medical necessity reviews and compliance audits.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with radiculopathy. Symptoms include radiating pain, numbness, tingling, and or weakness. The location of the radicular symptoms suggests potential involvement of the (specify cervical, thoracic, or lumbar) spine. Onset of symptoms was (date of onset and describe onset e.g., gradual, sudden, after lifting heavy object). Pain quality is described as (sharp, burning, aching, electric) and radiates from (specify location, e.g., neck into right arm, low back into left leg). Physical examination reveals (positive or negative) Spurling's maneuver, (positive or negative) straight leg raise test, and diminished reflexes in (specify dermatome, myotome, e.g., C6, L5). Differential diagnoses include herniated disc, spinal stenosis, nerve root compression, and degenerative disc disease. Assessment includes radiculopathy likely secondary to (presumed etiology, e.g., disc herniation, foraminal stenosis). Plan includes (conservative or surgical) management. Conservative treatment options include NSAIDs for pain management, physical therapy referral for range of motion and strengthening exercises, and patient education on proper body mechanics. If conservative treatment fails, consideration will be given for further imaging such as MRI or CT scan to assess nerve root compression and potential surgical intervention. Patient was prescribed (medication name and dosage) and instructed to follow up in (timeframe) to assess response to treatment. Diagnosis codes considered include (list relevant ICD-10 codes, e.g., M54.12, M54.16). Medical necessity for diagnostic testing and treatment plan explained to the patient.