Adult osteochondrosis of spine, multiple sites in spine

This code describes a degenerative condition affecting the vertebral endplates and adjacent bone in adults, specifically involving multiple regions of the spine. It signifies a non-inflammatory disorder of bone and cartilage growth, leading to structural changes and potential pain or neurological symptoms.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates osteochondrosis affecting several distinct spinal segments (e.g., cervical and lumbar, or thoracic and lumbar). Supporting documentation should specify "adult" onset or presentation and explicitly state involvement of "multiple sites" within the spine.

• Ensure the patient is an adult; pediatric osteochondrosis of the spine (Scheuermann's disease) is coded differently.
• Verify documentation specifies "multiple sites" to differentiate from single-site involvement.
• Do not confuse with general degenerative disc disease (M51.3-) unless osteochondrosis is explicitly diagnosed.