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ICD-10 Coding for Cervical Muscle Spasm(M62.831)

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

Also known as:

Neck Muscle SpasmCervical Spasm

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cervical Muscle Spasm

M62.8Primary Range

Other muscle disorders

This range includes codes for muscle spasms in various body regions, including the neck.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for cervical muscle spasm

Essential facts and insights about Cervical Muscle Spasm

The ICD-10 code for cervical muscle spasm is M62.831.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for cervical muscle spasm

Muscle spasm of neck
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of palpable spasm and restricted neck movement

coding Criteria

  • Do not use for generalized muscle cramps

documentation Criteria

  • Document specific muscles involved and laterality

Applicable To

  • Cervical muscle spasm

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Palpable muscle spasm in the cervical region
  • Restricted range of motion in the neck
  • Physical exam findings such as tenderness or trigger points

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing with cervicalgia when pain is present without spasm
  • Omitting laterality or specific muscle involvement

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the exact location and severity of the spasm.

Ancillary Codes

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

Cervical radiculopathy

M54.12
Use when radiculopathy is present alongside muscle spasm.

Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy

M50.10
Use when disc disorder is the underlying cause of the spasm.

Differential Codes

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

Cervicalgia

M54.2
Use when neck pain is present without muscle spasm.

Torticollis

M43.6
Use for sustained rotational deformity of the neck.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cervical Muscle Spasm to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M62.831.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document right, left, or bilateral involvement.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use M62.831 for muscle spasm and M54.2 for pain without spasm.

Impact

Inaccurate or incomplete documentation can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of all clinical findings related to the spasm.

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 Muscle Spasm, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Cervical Muscle Spasm

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

Chronic cervical muscle spasm

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Location of spasm
  • Severity
  • Duration
  • Associated symptoms
  • Physical exam findings

Example Documentation

Patient presents with chronic, severe spasms in the right cervical paraspinal muscles, limiting range of motion. EMG confirms no radiculopathy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Neck pain with spasms
Good Documentation Example
Severe, intermittent spasms in left levator scapulae limiting rotation; EMG confirms no radiculopathy
Explanation
The good example provides specific muscle involvement and diagnostic confirmation.

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