ICD-10 Coding for Cervical Discogenic Disease(M50.02, M50.12)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cervical Discogenic Disease. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Cervical Discogenic Disease
M50.0-M50.9Primary Range
Cervical disc disorders
This range covers 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
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M50.02 | Cervical disc disorder with myelopathy | Use when imaging confirms spinal cord compression with clinical signs of myelopathy. |
|
| M50.12 | Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy | Use when radiculopathy is confirmed by clinical and diagnostic findings. |
|
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 discogenic disease
Essential facts and insights about Cervical Discogenic Disease
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cervical discogenic disease
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of spinal cord compression on MRI
documentation Criteria
- Detailed neurological exam findings
Applicable To
- Cervical disc disorder with spinal cord compression
Excludes
- Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (M47.12)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- MRI showing spinal cord compression
- Physical exam findings such as hyperreflexia or clonus
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if myelopathy is not clinically confirmed
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies myelopathy and correlates with imaging findings.
M50.12 - Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy
Use when radiculopathy is confirmed by clinical and diagnostic findings.
Applicable To
- Cervical disc disorder with nerve root compression
Excludes
- Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (M47.22)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- EMG/NCS confirmation of radiculopathy
- Radicular pain following specific dermatome
Coding Notes
Document specific nerve root involvement and correlate with imaging.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Chronic pain due to trauma
G89.21Differential 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 Discogenic Disease to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M50.02.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Could result in audit issues., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific clinical terms and correlate with diagnostic findings., Ensure documentation is thorough and detailed.
Impact
Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Could lead to compliance issues during audits., Data Quality: Reduces the accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Always use the most specific code available based on clinical documentation.
Impact
Using unspecified codes when specific codes are available can trigger audits.
Mitigation Strategy
Always use the most specific code available and ensure documentation supports the code choice.
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 Discogenic Disease, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Cervical Discogenic Disease
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Cervical Discogenic Disease. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Cervical radiculopathy with imaging confirmation
Specialty: NeurosurgeryRequired Elements
- Imaging results
- Neurological exam findings
- Specific nerve root involvement
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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