Intvrt disc disorders w radiculopathy, lumbosacral region

This diagnosis code signifies a disorder of the intervertebral discs in the lower back (lumbar and sacral spine) that is causing radiculopathy. Radiculopathy refers to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiate along the path of a nerve due to nerve root compression or irritation.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a disc disorder (e.g., herniation, protrusion, degeneration) in the lumbosacral region is the cause of nerve root involvement. This is typically supported by physical exam findings (e.g., positive straight leg raise, dermatomal sensory deficits, myotomal weakness) and imaging studies (e.g., MRI showing disc compression of a nerve root).

• Ensure the documentation explicitly links the radiculopathy to a lumbosacral disc disorder; do not assume causation.
• Do not use this code for radiculopathy without an identified disc disorder; consider codes for lumbosacral radiculopathy not otherwise specified (e.g., M54.16).
• Specify laterality if documented (e.g., right, left, bilateral) using a more specific subcategory if available and supported.