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
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
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Nerve root cyst filled with CSF |
Herniated disc causing nerve compression |
Narrowing of spinal canal compressing nerves |
Coding Tarlov cysts without specifying the spinal location (e.g., cervical, thoracic, sacral) leads to inaccurate documentation and claims.
Incorrectly coding symptoms (e.g., back pain, radiculopathy) instead of the Tarlov cyst itself can result in underreporting and lost revenue.
Coding a Tarlov cyst as another type of spinal cyst (e.g., arachnoid, perineural) impacts data integrity and reimbursement.
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.