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ICD-10 Coding for Bulging Cervical Disc(M50.22, M50.12)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Bulging Cervical Disc. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Cervical Disc BulgeCervical Disc Protrusion

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Bulging Cervical Disc

M50.0-M50.9Primary Range

Cervical disc disorders

This range includes all cervical disc disorders, including those with myelopathy and radiculopathy.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M50.22Other cervical disc displacement, mid-cervical regionUse when MRI confirms a mid-cervical disc bulge without neurological symptoms.
  • MRI showing disc bulge at C4-C7 without nerve root compression
  • Absence of neurological deficits
M50.12Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy, mid-cervical regionUse when radicular symptoms are present and confirmed by diagnostic tests.
  • MRI showing nerve root compression
  • EMG confirmation of radiculopathy

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for bulging cervical disc

Essential facts and insights about Bulging Cervical Disc

The ICD-10 code for a bulging cervical disc without neurological symptoms is M50.22. If radiculopathy is present, use M50.12.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for bulging cervical disc

M50.22
Other cervical disc displacement, mid-cervical region
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • MRI shows disc bulge without nerve root compression.

documentation Criteria

  • Absence of documented neurological deficits.

Applicable To

  • Mid-cervical disc displacement without myelopathy or radiculopathy

Excludes

  • Cervical disc disorder with myelopathy (M50.02)
  • Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy (M50.12)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI showing disc bulge at C4-C7 without nerve root compression
  • Absence of neurological deficits

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of undercoding if neurological symptoms are present but not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the cervical level and absence of neurological symptoms.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Cervicalgia

M54.2
Use if cervical pain is present but unrelated to disc pathology.

Chronic pain due to cervical disc

G89.21
Use when chronic pain is explicitly linked to the cervical disc condition.

Differential Codes

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

Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy, mid-cervical region

M50.12
Presence of radicular symptoms confirmed by EMG.

Cervical disc disorder with myelopathy, mid-cervical region

M50.02
Presence of myelopathic signs such as gait instability.

Other cervical disc displacement, mid-cervical region

M50.22
Absence of radicular symptoms.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Bulging Cervical Disc to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M50.22.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on documentation requirements., Use templates to ensure comprehensive documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential for reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines requiring specificity., Data Quality: Decreased data quality and accuracy in patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the presence or absence of neurological symptoms and the exact cervical level.

Impact

Risk of audits due to use of unspecified codes when specific codes are applicable.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes and ensure documentation supports code selection.

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 Bulging Cervical Disc, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Bulging Cervical Disc

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Bulging Cervical Disc. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

MRI-confirmed bulge without neurological deficits

Specialty: Neurosurgery

Required Elements

  • MRI findings
  • Neurological exam results
  • Patient symptoms

Example Documentation

MRI cervical spine reveals 2.4 mm disc bulge at C4-C5 without foraminal stenosis or cord compression. Patient reports intermittent neck stiffness without radiation. Negative Spurling's test.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has neck pain.
Good Documentation Example
Mechanical neck pain exacerbated by extension. Negative ULTT1. Limited rotation (45° R, 50° L). No radicular symptoms.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the pain and rules out radicular symptoms, improving diagnostic clarity.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Bulging Cervical Disc? Ask your questions below.

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