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ICD-10 Coding for Cervical Paraspinal Muscle Spasm(M62.838)

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

Also known as:

Neck Muscle SpasmCervical Muscle Spasm

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cervical Paraspinal Muscle Spasm

M62.830-M62.839Primary Range

Muscle spasm codes for various sites

This range includes codes for muscle spasms at different anatomical sites, including the neck and back.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for cervical paraspinal muscle spasm

Essential facts and insights about Cervical Paraspinal Muscle Spasm

The ICD-10 code for cervical paraspinal muscle spasm is M62.838, covering muscle spasms of other specified sites.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for cervical paraspinal muscle spasm

Muscle spasm of other specified sites
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of muscle spasm in cervical paraspinal region confirmed by physical exam or imaging.

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed documentation of spasm location and severity.

Applicable To

  • Cervical paraspinal muscle spasm

Excludes

  • Muscle spasm of unspecified site (M62.839)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Palpable taut bands in cervical paraspinal muscles
  • EMG-confirmed hypertonicity localized to C4-C7 paraspinals
  • MRI showing edema in cervical paraspinals

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if the specific site is not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'cervical paraspinal muscles' to support M62.838.

Ancillary Codes

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

Chemodenervation of neck muscles

64616
Use when performing chemodenervation for cervical muscle spasms.

Differential Codes

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

Cervicalgia

M54.2
Use if pain is primary complaint without documented spasm.

Myalgia

M79.1
For generalized muscle pain without spasm.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cervical Paraspinal Muscle Spasm to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M62.838.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical records., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the side affected (left, right, or bilateral)., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Specify exact muscle group: 'Cervical paraspinals' → M62.838

Impact

Using M62.839 without specifying the site can lead to audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the exact site of 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 Paraspinal Muscle Spasm, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Cervical Paraspinal Muscle Spasm

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

Neurology Progress Note

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Subjective: Patient's description of symptoms.
  • Objective: Physical exam findings.
  • Assessment: Diagnosis with ICD-10 code.
  • Plan: Treatment plan including procedures.

Example Documentation

Subjective: 'Pt reports 2-week history of 'knife-like' pain in posterior neck worsening with computer use.' Objective: TTP: Left C4-C6 paraspinals with visible twitching. ROM: Cervical flexion 40° (normal 80°), extension 25° (normal 60°). Imaging: MRI cervical spine shows paraspinal muscle edema without disc herniation. Assessment: M62.838 (Cervical paraspinal muscle spasm). Plan: Chemodenervation (64616) with EMG guidance (+95874).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Neck pain with muscle tightness.
Good Documentation Example
Acute spasms in left C5-C6 paraspinal muscles, limiting cervical rotation to 30°.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location and impact on function, supporting the diagnosis.

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