Oth intvrt disc degen, lumbosacr rgn w low extrm pain only

This code signifies degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs within the lumbosacral spine, specifically when the patient experiences pain radiating into the lower extremities. It indicates that the disc degeneration is the primary cause of the lower limb symptoms.

Use this code for patients presenting with chronic low back pain and associated radicular symptoms (e.g., sciatica) attributed to intervertebral disc degeneration in the L5-S1 or L4-L5 region. Documentation should clearly link the disc pathology to the lower extremity pain, often supported by imaging findings (MRI, X-ray) showing degenerative disc disease.

• Ensure documentation specifies "lower extremity pain only" to differentiate from cases with myelopathy or other neurological deficits.
• Do not use if the pain is localized solely to the lumbosacral region without radiation to the lower extremities.
• Consider sequencing this code after any underlying systemic conditions contributing to the degeneration, if applicable.