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Coding tip: Code spinal stenosis based on level or region of spine

Ambulatory Surgery Reimbursement Update, July 10, 2007

Stenosis is the constriction or narrowing of a duct or passage in the spine, and it can produce symptoms of pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness.

Lumbar stenosis causes pain to radiate from the lower back into the buttocks and legs.

Cervical stenosis is more dangerous because the spinal cord itself is compressed. This can possibly lead to major body weakness or paralysis.

Spinal stenosis is related to degeneration in the spine and it can occur in a variety of ways.

There are several types of stenosis:

• Foraminal
• Central
• Far lateral stenosis

Different types of stenosis may cause similar symptoms, so all forms of stenosis are simply identified and coded as "spinal stenosis".

You should code stenosis of the spine based on what level or region of the spine is diagnosed. Code cervical stenosis using ICD-9 code 723.0. Use code 724.01 to identify thoracic stenosis, and use code 724.02 to code lumbar stenosis.

This tip is brought to you by Ellis Medical Consulting, Inc.

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