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ICD-10 Coding for Muscle Spasm of Back(M62.830)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Muscle Spasm of Back. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Back Muscle SpasmSpinal Muscle Spasmback muscle crampback spasm

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Muscle Spasm of Back

M60-M63Primary Range

Disorders of muscles

This range includes codes for muscle disorders, including spasms.

Dorsopathies

This range includes codes for conditions that may be related to or cause muscle spasms, such as disc disorders.

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

Essential facts and insights about Muscle Spasm of Back

The ICD-10 code for muscle spasm of the back is M62.830, used when the primary diagnosis is a muscle spasm in the back.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for musculoskeletal spasm

Muscle spasm of back
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of involuntary muscle contractions in the back.

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed description of spasm location and severity.

Applicable To

  • Involuntary contraction of back muscles

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Palpable muscle tightness
  • Restricted range of motion
  • Sudden involuntary contractions

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with myalgia or general back pain

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the location and nature of the spasm.

Ancillary Codes

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

Low back pain

M54.5
Use when low back pain is present alongside spasms.

Differential Codes

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

Myalgia

M79.1
Use for generalized muscle pain without specific spasms.

Cramp and spasm

R25.2
Use for nonspecific muscle cramps not limited to the back.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Muscle Spasm of Back 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 inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify the muscle group affected., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies muscle spasms, not just pain.

Impact

Lack of specific details in documentation can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Use detailed templates and ensure all relevant details are captured.

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

Documentation Templates for Muscle Spasm of Back

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

Acute back spasm after lifting

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical exam findings
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: Pt reports sudden onset of mid-back spasms after lifting, rates pain 8/10, describes as 'knotting.' **Objective**: TTP: Left rhomboid major, ROM: Thoracic rotation 15° bilaterally (normal 45°), Strength: 4/5 scapular retraction due to pain **Assessment**: M62.830 (Muscle spasm of thoracic back) **Plan**: Diclofenac 50mg BID x7d, PT referral for manual therapy

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has back pain.
Good Documentation Example
Acute onset of lumbar paraspinal muscle spasms with palpable tightness, rated 7/10 pain, limiting flexion to 30 degrees.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the spasm, including location, severity, and impact on function.

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

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