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ICD-10 Coding for Cervical Spondylosis with Myelopathy(M47.12)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cervical Spondylosis with Myelopathy. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Cervical Spondylotic MyelopathyCSM

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cervical Spondylosis with Myelopathy

M47.1-M47.9Primary Range

Spondylosis with myelopathy and other conditions

This range includes codes for spondylosis with myelopathy, specifically focusing on the cervical region.

Cervical disc disorders with myelopathy

This range is relevant for differentiating cervical disc disorders with myelopathy from spondylosis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for cervical spondylosis with myelopathy

Essential facts and insights about Cervical Spondylosis with Myelopathy

The ICD-10 code for cervical spondylosis with myelopathy is M47.12, used when myelopathy is due to spondylotic changes in the cervical spine.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for cervical spondylosis with myelopathy

Spondylosis with myelopathy, cervical region
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of myelopathic signs and imaging showing spondylotic changes

coding Criteria

  • Differentiate from disc disorders by confirming spondylosis as the primary cause

documentation Criteria

  • Document specific myelopathic signs and imaging findings

Applicable To

  • Cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Excludes

  • Cervical disc disorder with myelopathy (M50.0-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI showing spinal cord compression due to spondylotic changes
  • Presence of myelopathic signs such as hyperreflexia, clonus, or gait disturbance

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing with disc disorders
  • Not specifying myelopathy presence

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies spondylotic changes as the cause of myelopathy.

Ancillary Codes

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

Myelopathy in diseases classified elsewhere

G99.2
Use if myelopathy etiology is unclear after workup.

Differential Codes

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

Cervical disc disorder with myelopathy

M50.0-
Use when myelopathy is due to disc herniation or degeneration.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cervical Spondylosis with Myelopathy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M47.12.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement for specific myelopathy treatment.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies myelopathic signs., Use appropriate imaging to confirm diagnosis.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may affect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Misclassification can lead to compliance issues., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of clinical data and patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify imaging and clinical findings to confirm the primary cause of myelopathy.

Impact

High risk of audits due to frequent misclassification.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on differentiating spondylosis from disc disorders.

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

Documentation Templates for Cervical Spondylosis with Myelopathy

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

Patient with cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Neurological exam findings
  • Imaging results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with progressive gait instability and hand clumsiness. Physical exam reveals positive Hoffmann's sign, hyperreflexia in lower extremities, and spastic gait. MRI demonstrates multilevel cervical spondylosis with cord compression at C4-C6. Assessment: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (M47.12).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Neck pain with possible myelopathy.
Good Documentation Example
Cervical spondylosis with myelopathy: Hyperreflexia in all extremities, MRI-confirmed C5-C7 cord compression from osteophytes. No disc herniation noted.
Explanation
The good example specifies the cause of myelopathy and correlates clinical findings with imaging.

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

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