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ICD-10 Coding for Cervical Spasm(M62.830)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cervical 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 Spasm

M62.8Primary Range

Other muscle disorders

This range includes codes for muscle spasms, including cervical spasm, which is classified under M62.830.

Radiculopathy

This range is relevant for differential diagnosis when cervical spasm is associated with nerve root involvement.

Cervical disc disorders

This range is used when cervical spasm is secondary to disc disorders with radiculopathy.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for cervical spasm

Essential facts and insights about Cervical Spasm

The ICD-10 code for cervical spasm is M62.830, used for muscle spasms in the cervical region.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for cervical spasm

Muscle spasm of back
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of localized cervical muscle spasm without radiculopathy.

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed documentation of muscle spasm characteristics and absence of neurological symptoms.

Applicable To

  • Cervical muscle spasm

Excludes

  • Radiculopathy (M54.1)
  • Cervical disc disorders (M50)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Palpable taut band in cervical muscles
  • Restricted range of motion
  • Absence of neurological deficits

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified codes like M62.838

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies laterality and duration to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Chemodenervation of neck muscle(s)

64616
Use when chemodenervation procedures are performed for cervical spasm.

Differential Codes

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

Cervical radiculopathy

M54.12
Presence of radiating pain and sensory/motor deficits.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cervical Spasm to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M62.830.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include duration in the clinical notes, Use templates that prompt for duration

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Document specific location and characteristics of the spasm to use M62.830.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used without proper documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of spasm characteristics and location.

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

Documentation Templates for Cervical Spasm

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

Acute cervical spasm after physical exertion

Specialty: Physical Therapy

Required Elements

  • Subjective: Patient's report of symptoms
  • Objective: Physical exam findings
  • Assessment: Diagnosis and rationale
  • Plan: Treatment strategy

Example Documentation

Patient reports sudden onset of neck stiffness after lifting. Exam reveals taut band in right cervical paraspinal muscles with limited rotation. Diagnosis: Cervical spasm (M62.830). Plan: Manual therapy and heat application.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has neck pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with a palpable taut band in the right cervical paraspinal muscles, limiting rotation to 30 degrees.
Explanation
The good example provides specific findings and measurements, supporting the diagnosis of cervical spasm.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Cervical Spasm? Ask your questions below.

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