While cervical disc pathology can unquestionably produce radiculopathy, many patients presenting with arm pain, paresthesia or perceived weakness do not exhibit the clinical behavior of true nerve-root compromise. In these cases, failure to differentiate the primary pain generator may lead to unnecessary spinal injections, nerve ablation procedures or surgical consultation despite limited likelihood of benefit.
An Extra Year to Get Ready for ICD-10
Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has announced a proposed rule that would delay the compliance deadline for implementation / use of International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition (ICD-10) diagnosis and procedure codes for a full year, from Oct. 1, 2013 to Oct. 1, 2014. The compliance delay is part of a larger proposed rule that also "simplifies the administrative process for providers by proposing that health plans have a unique identifier of a standard length and format to facilitate routine use in computer systems," according to the HHS. For additional information regarding the ICD-10 and compliance specifics, visit www.cms.gov and enter "ICD-10" in the search field.