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ICD-10 Coding for Cervical Disc Disorders(M50.00, M50.10)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cervical Disc Disorders. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Cervical MyelopathyCervical RadiculopathyNeck Pain

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cervical Disc Disorders

M50.0-M50.9Primary Range

Cervical disc disorders

This range covers all cervical disc disorders including myelopathy and radiculopathy.

M54.2

Cervicalgia

Used for general neck pain when specific disc disorders are not confirmed.

G89.11

Acute pain due to trauma

Used when pain management is the primary focus of the encounter.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M50.00Cervical disc disorder with myelopathy, unspecified cervical regionUse when myelopathy is confirmed without specifying the cervical level.
  • MRI showing spinal cord compression
  • Documented myelopathic signs such as hyperreflexia
M50.10Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy, unspecified cervical regionUse when radiculopathy is confirmed without specifying the cervical level.
  • Positive Spurling’s test
  • Dermatomal sensory loss

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 radiculopathy

Essential facts and insights about Cervical Disc Disorders

The ICD-10 code for cervical radiculopathy is M50.10, used when radiculopathy is confirmed without specifying the cervical level.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cervical

M50.00
Cervical disc disorder with myelopathy, unspecified cervical region
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of myelopathic signs and MRI findings.

Applicable To

  • Cervical myelopathy

Excludes

  • Cervical radiculopathy

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI showing spinal cord compression
  • Documented myelopathic signs such as hyperreflexia

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-documentation if specific cervical level is not noted.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation of myelopathic signs and imaging results.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Cervicalgia

M54.2
Use for neck pain without specific disc disorder.

Acute pain due to trauma

G89.11
Use when pain management is the primary focus.

Differential Codes

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

Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy, unspecified cervical region

M50.10
Presence of radicular pain and positive Spurling’s test.

Cervical disc disorder with myelopathy, unspecified cervical region

M50.00
Presence of myelopathic signs such as hyperreflexia.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cervical Disc Disorders to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M50.00.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify left or right side in documentation., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use M50.0- or M50.1- codes when specific disc disorders are confirmed.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of myelopathic signs can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of clinical signs and imaging results.

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

Documentation Templates for Cervical Disc Disorders

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

Cervical Radiculopathy in Chiropractic Practice

Specialty: Chiropractic

Required Elements

  • Subjective pain description
  • Objective findings including ROM and reflexes
  • Imaging results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: Constant right-sided neck pain (7/10) radiating to right thumb/index finger x 3 weeks. **Objective**: Cervical flexion 35° (↓50%), extension 20° (↓55%). Positive Spurling’s test (right), diminished biceps reflex (2+ → 1+). MRI reveals C5-C6 disc protrusion compressing right C6 nerve root. **Assessment**: M50.122 (C5-C6 disc disorder with radiculopathy), G89.11 (Acute pain due to trauma) **Plan**: Cervical traction 3x/week; monitor for myelopathic signs.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Neck pain with arm numbness.
Good Documentation Example
Cervical flexion reduced to 30° (normal: 45°); tenderness at C5-C6; MRI shows C5-C6 disc protrusion compressing right C6 nerve root.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and imaging results, supporting the diagnosis.

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

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