Other spondylosis with radiculopathy, lumbosacral region

This code signifies a degenerative condition of the spine in the lower back and sacrum, characterized by the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes) and disc degeneration, which is causing nerve root compression. This compression leads to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating into the buttocks or legs.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine accompanied by radicular symptoms. This is appropriate for patients presenting with chronic low back pain radiating down the leg, sensory deficits, or motor weakness attributable to nerve root impingement from degenerative changes. Supporting documentation includes imaging reports (X-ray, MRI) showing spondylotic changes and clinical notes detailing radiculopathy.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "radiculopathy" or describes radicular symptoms (e.g., sciatica, nerve root compression with radiating pain/numbness) in the lumbosacral region.
• Do not use this code if radiculopathy is not documented; instead, consider codes for spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy.
• Verify the specific spinal region (lumbosacral) to avoid miscoding with cervical or thoracic spondylosis with radiculopathy.