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.
Bharon Hoag
Bharon Hoag is senior consultant for the ACOM Healthcare Business Consulting Group. He is certified as a professional coder and teaches coding and case management strategies to DCs across the United States. Contact Mr. Hoag with questions or comments regarding this article at www.acomconsulting.com.
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