ICD-10 Coding for Cervical Radiculitis(M54.12, M50.13)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cervical Radiculitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Cervical Radiculitis
M54.1-M54.19Primary Range
Radiculopathy
This range includes cervical radiculitis, which is coded under M54.12.
Cervical disc disorders with radiculopathy
This range is used when cervical radiculitis is due to disc disorders.
Spondylosis with radiculopathy
This range applies when cervical radiculitis is due to spondylosis.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M54.12 | Cervical radiculopathy | Use when cervical radiculitis is idiopathic or not due to disc or spondylosis. |
|
| M50.13 | Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy, cervicothoracic region | Use when radiculopathy is due to a confirmed 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 radiculitis
Essential facts and insights about Cervical Radiculitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cervical radiculitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Idiopathic radiculitis without disc or spondylosis
coding Criteria
- MRI does not show disc or spondylosis
Applicable To
- Cervical radiculitis
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive Spurling's test
- MRI showing nerve root compression
- Dermatomal sensory loss
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of undercoding if disc or spondylosis is present.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the absence of disc or spondylosis involvement.
M50.13 - Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy, cervicothoracic region
Use when radiculopathy is due to a confirmed disc disorder.
Applicable To
- Cervical disc herniation with radiculopathy
Excludes
- Cervical radiculopathy without disc involvement (M54.12)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- MRI showing disc herniation at C6-C7
- Positive Spurling's test
Coding Notes
Ensure imaging confirms disc involvement.
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.
Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy, mid-cervical region
M50.12Cervical spondylosis with radiculopathy, mid-cervical region
M47.22Cervical radiculopathy
M54.12Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cervical Radiculitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M54.12.
Impact
Clinical: Misdiagnosis risk due to incomplete data., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential denial of claims due to insufficient documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure MRI or CT reports are included in the documentation., Verify clinical findings align with imaging results.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment may reduce reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Use M50.1- when disc involvement is confirmed.
Impact
Using M54.12 when disc involvement is present.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement regular training on code differentiation.
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 Radiculitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Cervical Radiculitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Cervical Radiculitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Neurosurgery Referral
Specialty: NeurosurgeryRequired Elements
- Chief complaint
- Clinical findings
- Imaging results
- Assessment and plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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