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G54.8
ICD-10-CM
Tarlov Cyst

Find information on Tarlov cyst diagnosis, including ICD-10 codes (G72.0), clinical documentation requirements, and healthcare resources. Learn about perineural cysts, sacral nerve root cysts, and their impact on patient care. Explore accurate medical coding for Tarlov cyst disease and best practices for documenting neurological symptoms related to this condition. This resource provides essential information for healthcare professionals, coders, and patients seeking to understand Tarlov cyst diagnosis and management.

Also known as

Perineural Cyst
Sacral Nerve Root Cyst

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Fluid-filled sacs on nerve roots, typically in the sacrum. Often asymptomatic.
  • Clinical Signs : Back pain, sciatica, leg weakness, bowelbladder dysfunction. May be incidental.
  • Common Settings : Neurology, neurosurgery, pain management clinics. Diagnosed with MRI.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the Tarlov cyst symptomatic?

  • Yes

    Is there nerve root compression?

  • No

    Code G72.0

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Nerve root cyst filled with CSF
Herniated disc causing nerve compression
Narrowing of spinal canal compressing nerves

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Tarlov cyst diagnosis: Document symptom onset, duration, and characteristics.
  • Confirm Tarlov cyst location and size via MRI imaging report.
  • Specify nerve root involvement if present (e.g., S2 nerve root).
  • Note any associated symptoms: pain, paresthesia, bowel/bladder dysfunction.
  • If surgery considered, document rationale and planned procedure.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Location

    Coding Tarlov cysts without specifying the spinal location (e.g., cervical, thoracic, sacral) leads to inaccurate documentation and claims.

  • Symptom vs. Cyst Coding

    Incorrectly coding symptoms (e.g., back pain, radiculopathy) instead of the Tarlov cyst itself can result in underreporting and lost revenue.

  • Miscoded as Other Cysts

    Coding a Tarlov cyst as another type of spinal cyst (e.g., arachnoid, perineural) impacts data integrity and reimbursement.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10 G72.0, precise MRI/CT coding for Tarlov Cyst diagnosis.
  • Document symptom specifics for accurate CDI, avoid generic pain terms.
  • HCC coding: Capture impacting comorbidities for risk adjustment compliance.
  • Regular neuro exams, image comparisons track cyst growth, justify interventions.
  • Surgical vs. conservative management notes must reflect shared decision-making.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm symptoms: Back pain, sciatica, headaches, bowel/bladder issues
  • MRI/CT imaging: Identify cystic lesions on nerve roots
  • Exclude other diagnoses: Spinal stenosis, herniated disc, arachnoiditis
  • Surgical consultation: If symptomatic and impacting quality of life

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Tarlov Cyst Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts payer contract adherence, affecting expected revenue. Proper ICD-10 (G72.0) and CPT coding crucial for maximizing reimbursement.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Tarlov Cyst documentation influences patient-reported outcomes (PROs) like pain scores, impacting hospital quality reporting and value-based payment adjustments.
  • Coding Accuracy: Correct coding (ICD-10 G72.0, relevant CPT for procedures) ensures accurate MS-DRG assignment, impacting hospital case-mix index (CMI) and overall reimbursement.
  • Hospital Reporting: Accurate Tarlov Cyst diagnosis coding impacts hospital-acquired complication (HAC) reporting if post-procedural infections or complications arise.

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.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code G92.0 for Tarlov cyst
  • Document cyst location precisely
  • Specify nerve root involvement
  • Differentiate from other cysts
  • Query physician if unclear

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with symptoms suggestive of Tarlov cyst, including lower back pain, radicular pain, sciatica, perineal pain, bowel or bladder dysfunction, and or sexual dysfunction.  The patient reports [duration of symptoms] and describes the pain as [character of pain: e.g., sharp, dull, aching, burning].  Pain is localized to [location of pain: e.g., lower back, sacrum, coccyx, radiating down the leg] and is [aggravating/alleviating factors: e.g., aggravated by sitting, standing, walking; relieved by lying down].  Neurological examination reveals [neurological findings: e.g., sensory deficits, muscle weakness, diminished reflexes] in the [affected dermatome/myotome].  Differential diagnoses considered include herniated disc, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, and other causes of sacral radiculopathy.  MRI of the lumbosacral spine with and without contrast was ordered to confirm the presence and assess the size and location of the suspected Tarlov cyst.  Imaging results reveal [MRI findings: e.g., cystic lesion at the S[spinal level] nerve root, size of cyst].  Based on the patient's clinical presentation, physical examination findings, and imaging results, the diagnosis of Tarlov cyst is confirmed.  Treatment options, including conservative management with pain medication, physical therapy, and minimally invasive procedures such as cyst aspiration or surgical fenestration and resection, were discussed with the patient.  Patient education regarding Tarlov cyst, prognosis, and potential complications was provided.  Follow-up appointment scheduled in [time frame] to monitor symptom progression and evaluate treatment response.  ICD-10 code G72.0 (Nerve root and plexus disorders) and CPT codes for imaging (e.g., 72148 for MRI of the lumbosacral spine without contrast, 72158 with contrast) and potential procedures (e.g., 60005 for aspiration, 63047-63057 for laminectomy/laminotomy with cyst resection) will be used for billing and coding purposes.