Oth spondylosis w radiculopathy, occipt-atlan-ax region

This diagnosis code signifies degenerative changes in the occipital, atlas (C1), and axis (C2) vertebrae, accompanied by nerve root compression. Patients typically present with pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating into the head, neck, or upper extremities due to nerve impingement in this specific cervical region.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states spondylosis affecting the occipito-atlanto-axial joint complex and explicitly mentions associated radiculopathy. This is appropriate for conditions like cervical osteoarthritis at C0-C2 with neurological symptoms attributable to nerve root involvement.

• Ensure documentation specifies both spondylosis and radiculopathy; absence of either component requires a different code.
• Distinguish from M47.811 (Other spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy, occipito-atlanto-axial region) if radiculopathy is not present.
• Always review imaging reports and neurological exam findings to confirm the presence and location of radiculopathy.