M50.12 – Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy, mid-cervical region

M50.12 Diagnosis Code: Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy, mid-cervical region

The involvement of the cervical spine discs and the resulting compression or irritation of the nerve roots characterizes cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy. In this case, the specific location affected is the mid-cervical region.

The primary causes of cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy in the mid-cervical region include degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, such as disc herniation or bulging, which can result from aging, repetitive stress, or trauma to the cervical spine. Other contributing factors may include poor posture, obesity, smoking, and genetic predisposition.

Patients with this condition often experience localized neck pain, radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that extends down the arm and into the hand. The symptoms may worsen with neck movements, prolonged sitting or standing, and activities that exert pressure on the affected nerve roots.

To diagnose cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy, healthcare practitioners typically conduct a thorough physical examination, assess medical history, and order diagnostic tests. These tests may include X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans, or electromyography (EMG) to evaluate nerve function.

The treatment approach for cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy aims to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, restore normal nerve function, and improve overall quality of life. Non-surgical interventions include physical therapy, pain medications, epidural steroid injections, and cervical collars for immobilization. Surgical options like discectomy, laminectomy, or spinal fusion may be considered in severe cases.

Is M50.12 Billable?

M50.12 (Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy, mid-cervical region) is a billable diagnosis code. It can be used for reimbursement purposes when submitting medical claims.

Clinical Information

• Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy, specifically in the mid-cervical region, involves compression or irritation of nerve roots in the cervical spine.
• Common causes include degenerative changes in intervertebral discs, such as disc herniation or bulging, resulting from aging, repetitive stress, or trauma to the cervical spine.
• Patients often experience localized neck pain and radiating symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that extends down the arm and into the hand.
• Symptoms can worsen with neck movements, prolonged sitting or standing, and activities that exert pressure on the affected nerve roots.
• Diagnosis is typically made through a physical examination, medical history assessment, and diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI, CT scans, or EMG.
• Treatment aims to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, restore normal nerve function, and improve quality of life.
• Non-surgical interventions include physical therapy, pain medications, epidural steroid injections, and cervical collars for immobilization.
• Surgical options like discectomy, laminectomy, or spinal fusion may be considered in severe cases.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for effectively managing symptoms and promoting restoring normal cervical spine function.

Synonyms Include:

• Cervical radiculopathy with mid-cervical disc disorder
• Mid-cervical radiculopathy due to disc disorder
• Radiculopathy of the mid-cervical region with disc involvement
• Cervical nerve root compression in the mid-cervical region
• Mid-cervical disc-related radicular symptoms

Other ICD-10 Codes Commonly Used for Cervical disc disorder

Here are six commonly used ICD-10 codes for cervical disc disorders:

• M50.30 - Other cervical disc degeneration, unspecified cervical region
• M50.31 - Other cervical disc degeneration, high cervical region
• M50.32 - Other cervical disc degeneration, mid-cervical region
• M50.33 - Other cervical disc degeneration, cervicothoracic region
• M50.34 - Other cervical disc degeneration, thoracic region
• M50.35 - Other cervical disc degeneration, thoracolumbar region