Cervical disc disorder at C6-C7 level with radiculopathy

This code signifies a degenerative or structural issue affecting the intervertebral disc located between the sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae (C6-C7), which is causing nerve root compression. This compression manifests as radiculopathy, characterized by symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating into the arm or hand.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a cervical disc disorder specifically at the C6-C7 level, accompanied by signs and symptoms of radiculopathy. This typically applies to patients presenting with neurological deficits attributable to nerve root impingement at this specific spinal segment. Supporting documentation includes physician notes detailing physical exam findings, imaging reports (MRI, CT) confirming disc pathology at C6-C7, and electrodiagnostic studies (EMG/NCS) confirming radiculopathy.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "radiculopathy" and specifies the C6-C7 level.
• Do not use this code if only cervicalgia (neck pain) is present without documented radiculopathy.
• Consider sequencing this code after any underlying cause if applicable, such as trauma, if it directly led to the disc disorder.