ICD-10 Coding for Cervical Arthritis(M47.812, M47.892)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cervical Arthritis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Cervical Arthritis
M47.8-M47.9Primary Range
Spondylosis of the cervical region
This range covers degenerative conditions affecting the cervical spine, including spondylosis with and without myelopathy.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M47.812 | Cervical spondylosis with myelopathy | Use when imaging confirms myelopathy due to spondylosis. |
|
| M47.892 | Other cervical spondylosis | Use when degenerative changes are present without neurological symptoms. |
|
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 cervical arthritis
Essential facts and insights about Cervical Arthritis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cervical arthritis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of myelopathy symptoms with imaging evidence
Applicable To
- Degenerative changes with neurological symptoms
Excludes
- Cervical disc disorder with myelopathy (M50.0-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging showing spinal cord compression
- Neurological deficits such as hyperreflexia
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if neurological symptoms are not documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies myelopathy with imaging correlation.
M47.892 - Other cervical spondylosis
Use when degenerative changes are present without neurological symptoms.
Applicable To
- Degenerative changes without myelopathy
Excludes
- Cervical disc disorder without myelopathy (M50.1-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging showing degenerative changes
- Absence of myelopathy
Coding Notes
Document specific levels affected and absence of myelopathy.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Cervicalgia
M54.2Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cervical Arthritis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M47.812.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit failures., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific terms for anatomical locations, Document all relevant clinical findings
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to reduced reimbursement., Compliance: May result in audit issues if documentation does not support the code., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of clinical data and patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure imaging and clinical findings support spondylosis diagnosis.
Impact
Inadequate documentation of neurological symptoms can lead to audit issues.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough documentation of neurological exams and imaging 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 Cervical Arthritis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Cervical Arthritis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Cervical Arthritis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic neck pain with degenerative changes
Specialty: NeurologyRequired Elements
- History of present illness
- Physical examination findings
- Imaging results
- Assessment and plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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