Spondyls w/o myelpath or radiculopathy, occipt-atlan-ax rgn

This code signifies degenerative changes in the cervical spine, specifically affecting the occiput, atlas (C1), and axis (C2) vertebrae. It indicates the presence of spondylosis in this region without any associated spinal cord compression (myelopathy) or nerve root impingement (radiculopathy).

Use this code when documentation clearly states spondylosis of the occipito-atlanto-axial region, and explicitly rules out or does not mention myelopathy or radiculopathy. This is appropriate for patients presenting with localized neck pain or stiffness attributed to degenerative changes in the upper cervical spine.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "without myelopathy or radiculopathy" or that these conditions have been ruled out.
• Do not use this code if there is any mention of neurological deficits, such as weakness, numbness, or gait disturbance, as these would indicate myelopathy or radiculopathy.
• Consider sequencing this code after codes for symptoms like neck pain (e.g., M54.2) if the spondylosis is the underlying cause.