M51.04
BillableIntervertebral disc disorders with myelopathy, thoracic region
This code does not map to an HCC category in any model (V28, V24, ESRD, RxHCC).
What This Code Means
A condition where a disc in the mid-back (thoracic spine) is damaged or displaced, causing pressure on the spinal cord and resulting in weakness, numbness, or loss of function in the legs and lower body.
Coding Tips
- •Myelopathy indicates spinal cord compression; ensure clinical documentation confirms cord involvement, not just nerve root irritation
- •The 4th character specifies thoracic region; verify the imaging or clinical findings document the exact spinal level affected
Code Hierarchy
└M51Thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbosacral intervertebral disc disorders└M51.0Thoracic, thoracolumbar and lumbosacral intervertebral disc disorders with myelopathy└M51.04Intervertebral disc disorders with myelopathy, thoracic region
└M51.04Intervertebral disc disorders with myelopathy, thoracic region