By Michael Perry, M.D. Foraminal narrowing, or foraminal stenosis, is a condition of the spine that can cause pain and other symptoms resulting from spinal nerve root compression. At every level of the spine, a pair of nerve roots runs through the spinal column via small openings called foramina (singular: foramen).
When claims are entered into the Medicare system, they are issued a tracking number known as the internal control number (âICNâ). The ICN is a 13-digit number assigned to each claim received by Medicare. The significance of the digits is as follows: 1  Digits 1-2: Indicate how the claim was submitted (electronically or via paper). 2  Digits 3-4: Indicate the calendar year in which the claim was received.
The 14 -digit ICN is a unique number assigned to the claim at the time it is received by the Medicare Contractor. It is used to track and monitor the claim. The first six digits reflect when the claim was received. The first digit is a century code (â1â indicates 1900-1999 and â2â indicates 2000 and after). The second two digits indicate the last two digits of the year that the claim was received.