How To Treat Scoliosis And Bill For It Using The 2015 Chirocode Deskbook

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that usually occurs in children and adolescents but may occasionally present in adults due to poor posture or a disease like osteoporosis. Occasionally tumors, birth defects, or another condition may push the spine into a curve as well. Typically scoliosis forms a spinal curve that resembles the letters c or s. Eighty percent of scoliosis cases are idiopathic.

How is scoliosis clinically diagnosed?

A series of tests are performed on the patient to see if there is a curvature of the spine.

The first test is performed by having the patient bend over with his or her arms at their sides. If one side of the patient's ribcage protrudes more than the other, then more tests should be ordered. Sometimes the curve of the spine is very obvious just from looking at the patient from the back.

If a curve is suspected, X-rays should be performed on the patient to determine the curves' severity.

If a tumor is suspected, the patient should be referred to a medical doctor so that an MRI or pet scan can be ordered.

Recommended treatments for scoliosis

In children and teenagers, there will be further growth of the spine and the musculoskeletal system. The patient should be measured for height and weight. The location and severity of the curve should be noted. Along with strengthening exercises to support the muscles along the spine and wearing a brace made for scoliosis, chiropractic adjustments can help deter further curving of the spine.

Chiropractic adjustments and treatments can help to alleviate some of the pain and discomfort that may be associated with scoliosis. A new study suggests that a regimen of physical therapy exercises and chiropractic adjustments can reduce disability, pain, and even the angle of spine curvature in adults with scoliosis. These results were achieved without the use of back braces.

In severe cases of scoliosis, only surgery can correct the curve.

2015 scoliosis diagnosis and billing codes

In October 2015, the new chirocode icd-10 book will be released. In the new book, many of the codes from the old chirocode deskbooks, including the codes for conditions involving scoliosis, have changed. The new codes will not go in effect until October. The codes in the icd-9 should be used until then.

As more Americans have access to healthcare, more patients will visit chiropractors for help in treating their scoliosis. Get your clinic ready by reviewing the new codes before they go into effect.