ICD-10 Coding for Neck Arthritis(M47.812, M47.22)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Neck Arthritis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Neck Arthritis
M47-M48Primary Range
Spondylosis and other dorsopathies
This range includes codes for cervical spondylosis, which is a common form of neck arthritis.
Other dorsopathies
This range includes codes for cervical disc disorders and neck pain, which may be related to or confused with cervical spondylosis.
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 | Spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy, cervical region | Use when there is confirmed cervical spondylosis without nerve involvement. |
|
| M47.22 | Spondylosis with radiculopathy, cervical region | Use when cervical spondylosis is accompanied by radiculopathy. |
|
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 neck arthritis
Essential facts and insights about Neck Arthritis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for neck arthritis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Radiographic evidence of cervical degeneration
documentation Criteria
- Absence of neurological symptoms
Applicable To
- Cervical osteoarthritis without nerve involvement
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Radiographic evidence of degeneration
- Absence of neurological deficits
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if neurological symptoms are present
Coding Notes
- Ensure imaging supports the diagnosis of spondylosis.
M47.22 - Spondylosis with radiculopathy, cervical region
Use when cervical spondylosis is accompanied by radiculopathy.
Applicable To
- Cervical spondylosis with nerve root compression
Excludes
- Cervical spondylosis without radiculopathy (M47.812)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Radiographic evidence of nerve root compression
- EMG/NCS confirmation of radiculopathy
Coding Notes
Document specific nerve root involvement.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Radiculopathy, cervical region
M54.12Differential 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 Neck Arthritis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M47.812.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit failures., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Document specific findings and imaging results, Use detailed templates for documentation
Impact
Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Could lead to coding audits and compliance issues., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Use M47.812 if spondylosis is confirmed by imaging.
Impact
Risk of audits due to incorrect use of codes for cervical spondylosis.
Mitigation Strategy
Use detailed documentation and confirmatory imaging.
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 Neck Arthritis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Neck Arthritis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Neck Arthritis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic neck pain with confirmed spondylosis
Specialty: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- Pain location and duration
- Imaging findings
- Neurological examination results
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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