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Radiology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Myelopathy Diagnosis

Published on Tue May 01, 2001

Question: I have heard a variety of opinions on the following situation: Right lateral disc herniation at L3-4, creating neural foraminal stenosis. Could you provide direction on which diagnosis code would be appropriate? Would I assign 722.10 only, 722.10 and 724.02, or 722.73?

Florida Subscriber

Answer: In the example given, ICD-9 code 724.02 (other and unspecified disorders of back; lumbar region) is not indicated because the condition is not unspecified. Rather, it is well described by one of several ICD-9 codes, including the two cited. Coders would choose between 722.10 (displacement of thoracic or lumbar intervertebral disc without myelopathy; lumbar intervertebral disc without myelopathy) and 722.73 (intervertebral disc disorder with myelopathy; lumbar region) based on the presence or absence of signs and symptoms in this case, myelopathy. If myelopathy is present, 722.73 would be assigned; if not, 722.10 would be appropriate.
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