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ICD-10 Coding for Muscle Spasm of Neck(M62.831)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Muscle Spasm of Neck. 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 Muscle Spasm of Neck

M60-M63Primary Range

Disorders of muscles

This range includes codes for muscle disorders, including muscle spasms specific to the neck.

Dorsopathies

This range includes codes for cervicalgia and disc disorders that may be related to neck muscle spasms.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for muscle spasm of neck

Essential facts and insights about Muscle Spasm of Neck

The ICD-10 code for muscle spasm of neck is M62.831. Use this code when the primary complaint is muscle spasm without underlying disc disorder.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for muscle spasm of neck

Muscle spasm of neck
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of palpable muscle spasm in the neck

coding Criteria

  • No underlying cervical disc disorder

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed description of muscle involvement and ROM limitations

Applicable To

  • Cervical muscle spasm

Excludes

  • Cervicalgia (M54.2)
  • Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy (M50.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Palpable taut band in neck muscles
  • Reproducible spasm with specific movement
  • No radicular symptoms

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using for generalized muscle spasm
  • Failure to document specific muscle involvement

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies muscle involvement and absence of radiculopathy.

Ancillary Codes

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

Cervicalgia

M54.2
Use when neck pain is present alongside muscle spasm.

Sprain of cervical ligaments

S13.4
Use if muscle spasm is trauma-related.

Differential Codes

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

Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy

M50.1
Presence of radicular symptoms and positive imaging findings.

Cervicalgia

M54.2
Pain without palpable muscle spasm.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Muscle Spasm of Neck to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M62.831.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify if spasm is present., Include detailed physical exam findings.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use M62.831 for neck-specific muscle spasm.

Impact

Using non-specific codes for neck muscle spasm.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on ICD-10 updates and specific code usage.

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

Documentation Templates for Muscle Spasm of Neck

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

Acute Neck Spasm Post-Trauma

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Range of motion measurements
  • Palpation findings

Example Documentation

35-year-old male with acute right sternocleidomastoid spasm following rear-end collision. Positive ROM restriction: rotation 20° right vs 60° left.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Neck stiffness noted.
Good Documentation Example
Severe left levator scapulae spasm limiting rotation to 30° (normal 80°).
Explanation
The good example provides specific muscle involvement and ROM limitation.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Muscle Spasm of Neck? Ask your questions below.

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