ICD-10 Coding for Cervical Osteoarthritis(M19.03-, M19.13-, M47.812)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cervical Osteoarthritis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Cervical Osteoarthritis
M19.03-M19.13Primary Range
Primary and Secondary Osteoarthritis
This range includes codes for primary and secondary osteoarthritis, specifically affecting the cervical region.
Cervical Spondylosis without Myelopathy or Radiculopathy
This code is used for degenerative changes in the cervical spine without nerve involvement.
Cervical Disc Disorders
These codes are relevant when disc disorders are present alongside osteoarthritis.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M19.03- | Primary Osteoarthritis of Cervical Spine | Use when there is degenerative change in the cervical spine without a history of trauma. |
|
| M19.13- | Secondary Osteoarthritis of Cervical Spine | Use when osteoarthritis is secondary to a known trauma or condition. |
|
| M47.812 | Cervical Spondylosis without Myelopathy or Radiculopathy | Use when there are degenerative changes without nerve compression. |
|
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 osteoarthritis
Essential facts and insights about Cervical Osteoarthritis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cervical osteoarthritis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of degenerative changes on imaging without trauma history.
Applicable To
- Degenerative joint disease of cervical spine
Excludes
- Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (M19.13-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging showing joint space narrowing and osteophyte formation
- No history of trauma
Code-Specific Risks
- Ensure laterality is specified to avoid denials.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'primary' osteoarthritis and includes imaging findings.
M19.13- - Secondary Osteoarthritis of Cervical Spine
Use when osteoarthritis is secondary to a known trauma or condition.
Applicable To
- Post-traumatic osteoarthritis of cervical spine
Excludes
- Primary osteoarthritis (M19.03-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- History of trauma or causative condition
- Imaging showing joint degeneration
Coding Notes
Sequence the causative condition first.
M47.812 - Cervical Spondylosis without Myelopathy or Radiculopathy
Use when there are degenerative changes without nerve compression.
Applicable To
- Degenerative changes in cervical spine
Excludes
- Cervical spondylosis with myelopathy (M47.12-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging showing spondylotic changes
- Absence of nerve involvement
Coding Notes
Document the absence of nerve involvement clearly.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Cervical Spondylosis without Myelopathy or Radiculopathy
M47.812Primary Osteoarthritis of Cervical Spine
M19.03-Cervical Disc Disorders
M50.00-M50.93Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cervical Osteoarthritis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M19.03-.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure imaging reports are included in the patient record., Document specific findings such as osteophyte formation.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced payments., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify laterality in documentation and coding.
Impact
Using unspecified codes can lead to audit flags.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all documentation includes specific details such as laterality and type.
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 Osteoarthritis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Cervical Osteoarthritis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Cervical Osteoarthritis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Orthopedic Evaluation for Cervical OA
Specialty: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- Patient history
- 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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