Find information on thoracic spondylosis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Learn about ICD-10 codes for thoracic spondylosis, clinical documentation requirements, and healthcare resources for managing this spinal condition. Explore details regarding degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, and facet arthropathy related to the thoracic spine. This resource provides valuable information for physicians, coders, and patients seeking to understand thoracic spondylosis.
Also known as
Spondylosis
Degenerative changes in the spine, including the thoracic region.
Dorsalgia
Pain in the thoracic region, often associated with spondylosis.
Spondylopathy
Other disorders of the spine, which can overlap with thoracic spondylosis.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is there myelopathy or radiculopathy?
Yes
Myelopathy confirmed?
No
Other symptoms present (e.g., pain, stiffness)?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Thoracic spine degeneration |
| Thoracic osteoarthritis |
| Thoracic disc herniation |
Coding thoracic spondylosis without specifying the vertebral level can lead to claim denials and inaccurate severity reflection.
Thoracic osteoarthritis and spondylosis share symptoms. Misdiagnosis can lead to incorrect MSK coding and skewed data analysis.
Lack of detailed clinical documentation supporting the spondylosis diagnosis can hinder accurate coding and trigger audits for medical necessity.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with thoracic spondylosis. Symptoms include localized thoracic back pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. The patient reports pain may radiate to the chest wall or intercostal spaces. Onset of symptoms is gradual and has been progressive over [duration]. Physical examination reveals tenderness to palpation of the thoracic spine, crepitus with movement, and possible limited chest expansion. Neurological examination is unremarkable, with no evidence of myelopathy or radiculopathy. Radiographic imaging of the thoracic spine demonstrates degenerative changes consistent with spondylosis, including osteophyte formation, disc space narrowing, and facet joint hypertrophy. Differential diagnoses considered include intercostal neuralgia, costochondritis, and thoracic facet syndrome. Assessment: Thoracic spondylosis (ICD-10 code M47.89). Plan: Conservative management is recommended, including physical therapy for strengthening and range of motion exercises, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain management, and patient education regarding proper posture and body mechanics. Follow-up scheduled in [duration] to assess response to treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation with MRI may be considered to rule out other spinal pathologies.