ICD-10 Coding for Cervical Disorder with Radiculopathy(M50.121, M50.122, M54.12)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cervical Disorder with Radiculopathy. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Cervical Disorder with Radiculopathy
M50.1-M50.9Primary Range
Cervical disc disorders
This range includes specific codes for cervical disc disorders with radiculopathy, which are primary for coding cervical radiculopathy due to disc issues.
Cervical radiculopathy
This code is used for cervical radiculopathy when the etiology is not specified as disc-related.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M50.121 | Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy, high cervical region | Use when radiculopathy is due to a disc disorder in the high cervical region. |
|
| M50.122 | Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy, mid-cervical region | Use when radiculopathy is due to a disc disorder in the mid-cervical region. |
|
| M54.12 | Cervical radiculopathy | Use when radiculopathy is present but not linked to a specific disc disorder. |
|
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 disorder with radiculopathy
Essential facts and insights about Cervical Disorder with Radiculopathy
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cervical disorder with radiculopathy
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- MRI evidence of disc herniation at high cervical levels
documentation Criteria
- Detailed description of symptoms and imaging findings
Applicable To
- Radiculopathy due to cervical disc disorder
Excludes
- Cervical spondylosis with radiculopathy (M47.22)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- MRI showing disc herniation at high cervical levels
- Dermatomal pain pattern consistent with high cervical nerve roots
Code-Specific Risks
- Misidentifying the cervical level involved
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the cervical level and confirms disc involvement.
M50.122 - Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy, mid-cervical region
Use when radiculopathy is due to a disc disorder in the mid-cervical region.
Applicable To
- Radiculopathy due to mid-cervical disc disorder
Excludes
- Cervical spondylosis with radiculopathy (M47.22)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- MRI showing disc herniation at mid-cervical levels
- Dermatomal pain pattern consistent with mid-cervical nerve roots
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies the cervical level and confirms disc involvement.
M54.12 - Cervical radiculopathy
Use when radiculopathy is present but not linked to a specific disc disorder.
Applicable To
- Radiculopathy without specified disc involvement
Excludes
- Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy (M50.1-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Symptoms consistent with cervical radiculopathy without specific disc pathology
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation does not specify a disc disorder if using this code.
Differential 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 Disorder with Radiculopathy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M50.121.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis or incorrect treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Use standardized templates, Ensure detailed clinical notes
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to reduced reimbursement., Compliance: May result in non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Use M50.1- codes when radiculopathy is due to a disc disorder.
Impact
Using M54.12 when disc involvement is documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Review documentation for disc pathology before coding.
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 Disorder with Radiculopathy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Cervical Disorder with Radiculopathy
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Cervical Disorder with Radiculopathy. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Neurology Progress Note
Specialty: NeurologyRequired Elements
- Assessment of radiculopathy
- Imaging findings
- Physical exam results
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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