Infection of intervertebral disc (pyogenic), cervical region

This code signifies an infection of the intervertebral disc in the cervical spine, specifically caused by pyogenic (pus-forming) organisms. This condition, often referred to as discitis or spondylodiscitis, involves inflammation and destruction of the disc space due to bacterial invasion. Patients typically present with severe neck pain, fever, and neurological deficits depending on the extent of spinal cord or nerve root compression.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a bacterial infection of the intervertebral disc within the cervical region. This diagnosis is often supported by imaging studies (MRI, CT) showing disc space narrowing, endplate erosion, and fluid collections, along with positive blood cultures or disc biopsy results confirming a pyogenic pathogen. Use this code for both acute and chronic presentations of pyogenic cervical discitis.

• Ensure the documentation specifies the cervical region; do not use for infections in other spinal segments.
• Confirm the infectious etiology is pyogenic (bacterial); viral or fungal discitis would require different codes.
• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, unless a more specific underlying systemic infection is being treated.