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 root, typically causing symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that extends from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand 1. When documenting this condition, it's essential to note the specific location, severity, and any associated symptoms to ensure accurate coding. According to the American College of Radiology, CT evaluation can show the type, thickness, length of involved segments, and associated systemic diseases, such as patients with new or increasing nontraumatic diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, which can be helpful in diagnosing the underlying cause of radiculopathy 1.
Key Considerations for Coding
- The code M54.12 should be used for primary radiculopathy in the cervical region.
- If there is a known underlying cause such as a herniated disc (M50.1-), cervical spondylosis with radiculopathy (M47.21), or other specific condition, those more specific codes should be used instead.
- The code may need to be supplemented with additional codes to fully capture the clinical picture, especially if there are neurological deficits or if the radiculopathy is secondary to another condition like trauma or neoplasm.
- Proper coding is essential for appropriate medical billing, tracking treatment outcomes, and ensuring continuity of care for patients with cervical radiculopathy.
Diagnostic Imaging
- CT Cervical Spine is more reliable than radiographs in the identification of OPLL and evaluation of sequelae related to its diagnosis 1.
- MRI Cervical Spine has limited sensitivity in detecting OPLL but is useful in assessing cord abutment/signal changes secondary to spinal canal narrowing and evaluating the exiting nerve roots in the setting of radiculopathy 1.
From the Research
Neck Pain with Radiculopathy ICD Code
- The ICD-10 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, treatment, and classification systems for cervical radiculopathy, which is a condition characterized by neck pain with radiculopathy 2, 4, 6.
- The classification systems for neck pain with radiculopathy are evaluated in a systematic review, which identifies nine classification criteria for cervical radiculopathy, including dermatomal sensory deficit and positive Spurling's test 6.
- The studies suggest that a comprehensive evaluation, including history, physical examination, and imaging techniques, is necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment of neck pain with radiculopathy 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Treatment options for neck pain with radiculopathy include conservative management, physical therapy, steroid injections, and operative intervention, such as anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) and cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) 2, 4, 5.