Other cervical disc degeneration, cervicothoracic region

This code signifies degenerative changes affecting the intervertebral discs in the cervicothoracic junction (C7-T1 region), excluding disc herniation with myelopathy or radiculopathy. It encompasses conditions like desiccation, osteophyte formation, and disc space narrowing in this specific spinal segment.

Apply this code when documentation specifies cervical disc degeneration localized to the cervicothoracic region without evidence of nerve root compression or spinal cord involvement. This is appropriate for patients presenting with localized pain, stiffness, or imaging findings consistent with non-compressive degenerative disc disease at C7-T1.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "cervicothoracic region" or C7-T1 to justify this specific code.
• Do not use if radiculopathy (M54.1x) or myelopathy (M50.0x) is present; those conditions require more specific codes.
• Consider sequencing this code after a pain diagnosis (e.g., M54.2) if the degeneration is the underlying cause of the pain.