From the Guidelines
The ICD-10 code for neck pain with radiculopathy is M54.12 (Radiculopathy, cervical region). This code is used to identify pain in the neck area that radiates along a nerve pathway due to nerve root compression or irritation, as described in the context of cervical radiculopathy 1. When documenting this condition, it's essential to note any specific causes if known, such as herniated disc or cervical spondylosis with radiculopathy. The code may require additional characters to specify laterality (right, left, or bilateral) depending on the specific manifestation.
Key Considerations for Coding
- The code M54.12 is specific to the cervical region and is used for radiculopathy, which is a syndrome of pain or sensorimotor deficits due to dysfunction of a cervical spinal nerve, the roots of the nerve, or both 1.
- Supporting documentation should include symptoms, physical examination findings, and any diagnostic test results that confirm the radiculopathy, such as positive Spurling's test, decreased reflexes, sensory changes, or imaging findings.
- It is crucial to distinguish between different causes of neck pain and radiculopathy, as they may have different codes, such as M50.1- for cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy or M47.2- for cervical spondylosis with radiculopathy.
Clinical Context
- Cervical radiculopathy is less prevalent than cervical or neck pain, with an average annual age-adjusted incidence of 83.2 per 100,000 people 1.
- Most cases of acute cervical neck pain with radicular symptoms resolve spontaneously or with conservative treatment measures 1.
- In the absence of red flag symptoms, imaging may not be required at the time of initial presentation 1.
From the Research
ICD Code for Neck Pain with Radiculopathy
- The ICD code for neck pain with radiculopathy is not explicitly mentioned in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies discuss the diagnosis and treatment of cervical radiculopathy, which is a condition characterized by nerve compression from herniated disk material or arthritic bone spurs, leading to neck and radiating arm pain or numbness, sensory deficits, or motor dysfunction in the neck and upper extremities 2.
- The studies suggest that cervical radiculopathy can be diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomographic myelography, and treated with a variety of methods, including conservative treatment, physical therapy, manipulation, and surgery 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Unfortunately, there is no specific ICD code mentioned in the provided studies, and further research would be needed to determine the correct code for neck pain with radiculopathy.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Cervical Radiculopathy
- Cervical radiculopathy is a disease process marked by nerve compression from herniated disk material or arthritic bone spurs 2.
- The condition can be diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomographic myelography, and treated with a variety of methods, including conservative treatment, physical therapy, manipulation, and surgery 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies suggest that conservative treatment, including chiropractic manipulative therapy, can be an effective alternative to surgery for cervical radiculopathy caused by a herniated cervical disc 6.