Cervical disc disorder with myelopathy, high cervical region

This code signifies a degenerative condition affecting the intervertebral discs in the upper cervical spine (C1-C2 or C2-C3), which is causing compression of the spinal cord. Myelopathy indicates neurological dysfunction due to spinal cord involvement, manifesting as motor weakness, sensory deficits, or gait disturbance.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states cervical disc disease in the high cervical region (e.g., C1-C2, C2-C3) with associated myelopathy. This typically involves findings from neurological examination, imaging (MRI showing spinal cord compression), and electrophysiological studies.

• Ensure documentation specifies "high cervical region" and explicitly links the disc disorder to myelopathy.
• Distinguish from radiculopathy (nerve root compression) which uses different codes.
• Always sequence this code first if it is the primary reason for the encounter.