Researchers from Australia and Germany say that a technique known as sedimentation sign (SedSign) that involves measuring pressure in the spinal canal has proved to be more effective than magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical examination alone in determining lower back problems such as lumbar spinal stenosis. The current treatment recommended for spinal stenosis is decompression surgery which involves either removing the sections of vertebrae or damaged discs in the spine or joining two or more vertebrae to strengthen the spine. According to the researchers, there has been no method to determine how many spine segments needed to be treated through decompression surgery and this technique is successful in determining this.
During the study, the researchers analyzed the spinal fluid pressure of patients who had spinal stenosis, and also of those who didn’t have this condition while they were undergoing surgery. They inserted a catheter with a pressure sensor into the spinal canal in order to monitor the spinal fluid pressure. The pressure at the stenosis level in patients suffering from spinal stenosis was found to be three times higher than at unaffected levels in this group when compared with the control group. This makes SedSign an effective diagnostic tool for lumbar spinal stenosis.
Researchers say that this method can be used even before the surgery. For that, it is required to insert the catheter with the pressure sensor through a needle and then into the spinal canal. The researchers opine that this technique is helpful for surgeons to perform decompression surgery effectively, reduce the amount of time spent on the operating table and the number of days spent on sick leave and complications, which is beneficial for both patients and taxpayers.
Treatment provided for lumbar stenosis is billable. When it comes to medical billing for lumbar spinal stenosis, the following medical codes are to be reported on the medical claim.
ICD-9 codes
- 724.02: Spinal stenosis, lumbar region, without neurogenic claudication
- 724.03: Spinal stenosis, lumbar region, with neurogenic claudication
ICD-10 code
- M48.06: Spinal stenosis, lumbar region
Orthopedic or Neurology practices should ensure that the coding done is correct and make sure that billing and coding done for accurate diagnostic and procedural coding services are done professionally.
Orthopedic or Neurology practices should ensure that the coding is correctly done. The best option when it comes to accurate diagnostic and procedural coding is to rely on professional neurology medical coding services. Leading service providers have expert AAPC certified coders who can ensure error-free coding for proper reimbursement.
