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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM51.14

M51.14

Billable

Intervertebral disc disorders with radiculopathy, thoracic region

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/17/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 M51.14 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of intervertebral disc disorders with radiculopathy, thoracic region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Intervertebral disc disorders with radiculopathy in the thoracic region refer to conditions affecting the thoracic spine's intervertebral discs, leading to nerve root compression and resultant radicular symptoms. These disorders can include herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and disc bulges, which may cause pain, numbness, or weakness radiating along the thoracic nerve roots. Patients often present with localized thoracic pain, which may be exacerbated by movement or certain positions. Radiculopathy occurs when the herniated disc material compresses the adjacent spinal nerve roots, leading to neurological symptoms. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, and nerve conduction studies. Treatment options may range from conservative management, including physical therapy and pain management, to surgical interventions like discectomy or spinal fusion, depending on the severity of symptoms and the degree of nerve involvement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between various types of disc disorders
  • Identifying the specific thoracic nerve root affected
  • Understanding the clinical implications of radiculopathy
  • Documenting the severity and duration of symptoms

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of radicular symptoms
  • Failure to specify the affected nerve root
  • Lack of imaging studies to support the diagnosis
  • Inconsistent treatment documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed surgical notes, imaging results, and pre-operative assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with severe thoracic pain and neurological deficits requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the surgical approach and any intraoperative findings.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive neurological evaluations, including sensory and motor assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with chronic thoracic pain and radiculopathy undergoing conservative management.

Billing Considerations

Document the neurological examination findings thoroughly to support the diagnosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M51.14 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the diagnosis, including the specific location and nature of the disc disorder
  • Include any relevant imaging studies and clinical findings that support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M51.14 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

63030CPT Code

Laminectomy, thoracic, for decompression of spinal cord or nerve root

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for thoracic disc herniation causing radiculopathy.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the procedure, indications, and post-operative care.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should document the rationale for surgical intervention clearly.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of intervertebral disc disorders, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. M51.14 provides a clear distinction for thoracic disc disorders with radiculopathy, which aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of intervertebral disc disorders, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. M51.14 provides a clear distinction for thoracic disc disorders with radiculopathy, which aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of intervertebral disc disorders, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. M51.14 provides a clear distinction for thoracic disc disorders with radiculopathy, which aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of thoracic disc disorders?

Common symptoms include localized thoracic pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the areas supplied by the affected thoracic nerve roots.

When should M51.14 be used?

M51.14 should be used when a patient presents with intervertebral disc disorders in the thoracic region accompanied by radiculopathy symptoms.