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Lumbar Radiculopathy Diagnosis Coding

Date: Jan 30, 2024

Question:

If the clinical indication on a report is lumbar radiculopathy, and findings state spondylosis of L2-L3, L5-S1, can we use the combination code for both levels with M47.26/M47.27 or does the provider have to link which is causing radiculopathy?

Also, is it acceptable to code osteophyte of the vertebra when coding other conditions such as stenosis, spondylosis, etc.?

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