Question

Choose the correct code assignment for the following scenario: 47-year-old female admitted with back pain due to a herniation, nucleus pulposus, at L3-L4. She was taken to the OR where a laminectomy was performed as the approach to complete the open excision of the intervertebral disc L3-L4 . The excision was completed without any complications.

Group of answer choices:

A) M51.27, 0SB20ZZ

B) M51.26, 0SB20ZZ

C) M51.26, 0SB00ZZ

D) M51.27, 0SB00ZZ

Answer 1

Answer: Option B: M51.26, 0SB20ZZ

M51.26 indicates other intervertebral disc displacement, lumbar region

0SB20ZZ is the code for Excision of Lumbar Vertebral Disc, Open Approach

[laminectomy is a surgical procedure in which the lamina which is a portion of the vertebral bone is removed to relieve pressure. It is also known as discectomy, laminotomy etc]

Other options are wrong because :

M51.27 is for Other intervertebral disc displacement, lumbosacral region . In the given case the patient's lumbar vertebrae L3 and L4 are only affected.

The code 0SB00ZZ is for excision of Lumbar Vertebral Joint through an Open Approach