Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Cervical Disc Herniation(M50.12, M50.03)

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

Also known as:

Cervical Disc ProlapseCervical Disc BulgeCervical Disc Displacementcervical radiculopathycervical myelopathy

Quick Navigation

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cervical Disc Herniation

M50.0-M50.9Primary Range

Cervical disc disorders

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

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M50.12Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy, mid-cervical regionUse when imaging confirms a cervical disc herniation causing radiculopathy.
  • MRI confirmation of disc herniation
  • Neurological findings consistent with radiculopathy
M50.03Cervical disc disorder with myelopathy, cervicothoracic regionUse when there is evidence of myelopathy due to cervical disc herniation.
  • MRI showing cord compression
  • Clinical signs of myelopathy

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 disc herniation

Essential facts and insights about Cervical Disc Herniation

The ICD-10 code for cervical disc herniation with radiculopathy is M50.12, specifying the mid-cervical region.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cervical disc herniation

M50.12
Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy, mid-cervical region
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of radicular symptoms confirmed by imaging

Applicable To

  • Radiculopathy due to cervical disc herniation

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI confirmation of disc herniation
  • Neurological findings consistent with radiculopathy

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misidentifying the affected nerve root level

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the exact nerve root affected.
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 for neck pain without radicular symptoms.

Differential Codes

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

Cervicalgia

M54.2
Use M54.2 for neck pain without radicular symptoms.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy

M47.12
Use M47.12 for myelopathy due to spondylosis, not disc herniation.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cervical Disc Herniation to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M50.12.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terminology, Include imaging findings

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces the specificity and accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify the affected cervical level and symptoms.

Impact

Using unspecified codes can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document specific cervical levels and symptoms.

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

Documentation Templates for Cervical Disc Herniation

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

Cervical radiculopathy due to disc herniation

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Neurological examination
  • Imaging results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with right C6 radiculopathy. MRI shows C5-C6 disc herniation. Plan for epidural steroid injection.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Neck pain with arm tingling.
Good Documentation Example
Right C6 radiculopathy with MRI-confirmed C5-C6 herniation compressing C6 nerve root.
Explanation
The good example specifies the affected nerve root and confirms the diagnosis with imaging.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more

Helpful Links

How ICD 10 AI Lookup WorksContact UsPrivacy Policy