Other spondylosis with radiculopathy, lumbar region

This code signifies a degenerative condition of the lumbar spine characterized by the formation of osteophytes and disc degeneration, which is causing nerve root compression. This compression results in symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating into the lower extremities. It represents a specific type of spondylosis where neurological symptoms are present due to nerve impingement.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates spondylosis in the lumbar region accompanied by radicular symptoms. This typically includes patient complaints of radiating pain or neurological deficits in the legs, along with imaging findings (e.g., X-ray, MRI) confirming degenerative changes and nerve root compression in the lumbar spine. It is appropriate when the radiculopathy is directly attributed to the spondylotic changes.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "radiculopathy" or describes symptoms consistent with nerve root involvement (e.g., radiating pain, paresthesia, weakness) originating from the lumbar spine.
• Differentiate from spondylosis without radiculopathy (M47.8xx) or spondylosis with myelopathy (M47.1xx), which involve spinal cord compression.
• Always specify the laterality if documented (e.g., right, left, bilateral) if a more specific code is available, though M47.26 is a non-laterality specific code.