ICD-10 Coding for Cervical Spondylosis(M47.812, M47.22, M47.12)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cervical Spondylosis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Cervical Spondylosis
M47.8-M47.9Primary Range
Other spondylosis with and without myelopathy or radiculopathy
This range covers cervical spondylosis with various complications such as myelopathy and radiculopathy.
Other spondylosis with radiculopathy
Specifically addresses cervical spondylosis with radiculopathy.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M47.812 | Cervical spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy | Use when imaging confirms degenerative changes without neurological symptoms. |
|
| M47.22 | Cervical spondylosis with radiculopathy | Use when radiculopathy symptoms are present and confirmed by imaging. |
|
| M47.12 | Cervical spondylosis with myelopathy | Use when myelopathy symptoms are present and confirmed by imaging. |
|
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 spondylosis
Essential facts and insights about Cervical Spondylosis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cervical spondylosis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Absence of neurological deficits in physical examination.
documentation Criteria
- Imaging confirms degenerative changes without nerve involvement.
Applicable To
- Degenerative changes in cervical spine without neurological deficits
Clinical Validation Requirements
- X-ray or CT showing osteophytes or disc space narrowing without neurological deficits
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if neurological symptoms are present but not documented.
Coding Notes
- Ensure imaging findings are documented to support the absence of neurological symptoms.
M47.22 - Cervical spondylosis with radiculopathy
Use when radiculopathy symptoms are present and confirmed by imaging.
Applicable To
- Cervical spondylosis with nerve root compression
Excludes
- Cervical spondylosis without radiculopathy (M47.812)
- Cervical spondylosis with myelopathy (M47.12)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- MRI or EMG confirming nerve root compression
Coding Notes
Document specific nerve root involvement and confirm with imaging.
M47.12 - Cervical spondylosis with myelopathy
Use when myelopathy symptoms are present and confirmed by imaging.
Applicable To
- Cervical spondylosis with spinal cord compression
Excludes
- Cervical spondylosis without myelopathy (M47.812)
- Cervical spondylosis with radiculopathy (M47.22)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- MRI evidence of spinal cord compression
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation of neurological examination findings and imaging results.
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.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cervical Spondylosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M47.812.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Use standardized templates for documentation, Ensure thorough neurological examinations
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential claim denial due to unsupported coding., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Query provider for imaging confirmation of radiculopathy.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect reimbursement rates., Compliance: Violation of coding specificity requirements., Data Quality: Misleading clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies bony changes indicative of spondylosis.
Impact
Incomplete documentation of neurological findings can lead to audit issues.
Mitigation Strategy
Use detailed templates and ensure all findings are recorded.
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 expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Cervical Spondylosis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Cervical Spondylosis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Neurology Progress Note
Specialty: NeurologyRequired Elements
- Subjective: Patient history and symptoms
- Objective: Neurological examination and imaging results
- Assessment: Diagnosis and differential considerations
- Plan: Treatment and follow-up
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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