2025 ICD-10-CM code M47.1
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Musculoskeletal - Spondylopathies (M45-M49) Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99) Feed
Other spondylosis with myelopathy; spondylogenic compression of the spinal cord.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the encounter and the services performed (e.g., anesthesia modifiers, location modifiers).
Medical necessity is established by the presence of significant neurological symptoms (weakness, numbness, gait disturbances, bowel/bladder dysfunction) caused by demonstrable spinal cord compression due to spondylosis.Conservative treatment failure may also support the need for surgical intervention.
Diagnosis is based on patient history, physical exam (muscle strength, sensation, reflexes), imaging (X-rays, MRI), and nerve conduction studies (electromyography). Treatment may include physical therapy, medication (NSAIDs, narcotics), orthoses, and surgery (if conservative treatment fails).
In simple words: This code describes a spinal problem where the spinal cord gets squeezed due to age-related wear and tear on the spine. This can cause pain, stiffness, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms, legs, or other parts of the body.In rare cases, it might also affect bladder or bowel control.
This code signifies other specified spondylosis, characterized by the compression of the spinal cord due to degenerative changes in the spine.It encompasses spondylosis with myelopathy not otherwise specified in this category. The condition involves fixation of vertebrae and a disease or disorder of the spinal cord resulting from degenerative processes.Symptoms may include pain and stiffness in the spine, headaches, and nerve pressure leading to burning, tingling, and weakness in extremities. Less common symptoms include balance issues and bowel or bladder incontinence (if lower spine is affected).
Example 1: A 68-year-old patient presents with progressive weakness in both legs, difficulty walking, and numbness in their feet.MRI reveals spinal stenosis and compression of the spinal cord due to cervical spondylosis. Code M47.1 is assigned., A 75-year-old patient experiences increasing neck pain, radiating pain into their arms, and decreased hand dexterity.Imaging shows degenerative changes in the cervical spine with spinal cord compression. Code M47.1 is used., A 55-year-old patient with a history of a previous neck injury reports new-onset bladder incontinence and gait instability.Examination reveals spastic paraparesis, and imaging confirms spinal cord compression secondary to spondylosis. Code M47.1 is appropriate.
Detailed patient history including symptom onset and progression;results of neurological examination (muscle strength, reflexes, sensory testing);imaging studies (X-rays, MRI) demonstrating spinal stenosis and cord compression;electromyography and nerve conduction studies may also be necessary to assess nerve function.
** This code is used when the specific type of spondylosis causing myelopathy is not otherwise specified in the ICD-10-CM classification.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Neurology, Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center