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ICD-10 Coding for Back Muscle Spasm(M62.830)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Back Muscle Spasm. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Muscle Spasm of BackBack Spasm

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Back Muscle Spasm

M62.830-M62.838Primary Range

Muscle spasm codes for various body sites

This range includes specific codes for muscle spasms in different locations, with M62.830 specifically for the back.

Low back pain

Used when back pain is present without specific muscle spasm diagnosis.

Strain of lower back muscles

Applicable when trauma leads to muscle strain and spasm.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for back muscle spasm

Essential facts and insights about Back Muscle Spasm

The ICD-10 code for back muscle spasm is M62.830, used for acute or chronic spasms localized to back muscles without underlying spinal pathology.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for back muscle spasm

Muscle spasm of back
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of involuntary muscle contraction in the back

coding Criteria

  • No disc involvement on imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Specific mention of 'muscle spasm' and location

Applicable To

  • Acute muscle spasm of back
  • Chronic muscle spasm of back

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Tenderness on palpation
  • Restricted range of motion
  • MRI showing muscle edema without disc involvement

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misidentifying general back pain as muscle spasm
  • Using with disc herniation without proper imaging

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'muscle spasm' and exact location.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Muscle spasm of other sites

M62.838
Use for muscle spasms in non-back locations.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Low back pain

M54.5
Use when pain is present without specific muscle spasm diagnosis.

Strain of lower back muscles

S39.012
Use when trauma causes both strain and spasm.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Back Muscle Spasm to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M62.830.

Impact

Clinical: Lack of specificity can lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Fails to meet documentation standards., Financial: May result in denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Include specific terms like 'muscle spasm'.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Document mechanism (e.g., 'spasm after fall') to justify S39.012

Impact

Risk of audits due to incorrect use of M62.830 without proper documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of clinical findings.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Back Muscle Spasm, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Back Muscle Spasm

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Back Muscle Spasm. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Acute back spasm after physical activity

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

35yo M presents with acute onset lower back spasm after moving furniture. Reports visible muscle twitching and inability to stand upright.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has back pain.
Good Documentation Example
Acute muscle spasm in right lumbar paraspinals with 4/10 pain on palpation.
Explanation
The good example specifies the location and nature of the spasm, which is necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Back Muscle Spasm? Ask your questions below.

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