ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM47.24

M47.24

Billable

Other spondylosis with radiculopathy, thoracic region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M47.24 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other spondylosis with radiculopathy, thoracic region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

M47.24 refers to a condition characterized by degenerative changes in the thoracic spine, specifically spondylosis, which can lead to radiculopathy. Spondylosis is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal discs and vertebrae. In the thoracic region, these changes can compress spinal nerves, resulting in radiculopathy, which manifests as pain, numbness, or weakness radiating from the thoracic spine into the chest or abdomen. This condition may be exacerbated by factors such as spinal stenosis, which narrows the spinal canal, or inflammatory spine conditions like ankylosing spondylitis. Accurate diagnosis often requires imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, to visualize the extent of degenerative changes and nerve compression. Treatment may include physical therapy, medications for pain relief, and in some cases, surgical intervention to relieve nerve pressure.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between types of spondylosis and their specific manifestations.
  • Understanding the relationship between spondylosis and radiculopathy.
  • Identifying the thoracic region specifically, as coding may vary by spinal region.
  • Navigating the overlap with other spinal conditions like ankylosing spondylitis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of radiculopathy symptoms.
  • Failure to specify the thoracic region in documentation.
  • Misidentification of the underlying cause of spondylosis.
  • Lack of imaging studies to support the diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes including physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic back pain, neurological symptoms, or post-surgical follow-ups.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant imaging studies are documented to support the diagnosis of radiculopathy.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive neurological assessments, including sensory and motor evaluations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with radicular pain, numbness, or weakness in the thoracic region.

Billing Considerations

Document the neurological deficits clearly to justify the diagnosis of radiculopathy.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M47.24 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, M47
  • 24 should be used when there is clear documentation of spondylosis with radiculopathy specifically in the thoracic region
  • Coders should ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical findings and imaging results

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M47.24 When
  • Exclusion criteria include conditions that do not involve radiculopathy or are not specific to the thoracic spine

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

63030CPT Code

Laminectomy, thoracic, for decompression of spinal cord or nerve root(s)

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required due to severe radiculopathy.

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports must detail the findings and rationale for surgery.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the specific levels involved.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like M47.24, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. This specificity 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 conditions like M47.24, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. This specificity aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like M47.24, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. This specificity 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 is the difference between spondylosis and radiculopathy?

Spondylosis refers to degenerative changes in the spine, while radiculopathy is a condition that occurs when these changes compress spinal nerves, leading to pain and neurological symptoms.