ICD-10 Coding for Neck Muscle Spasm(M62.831, M54.2)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Neck Muscle Spasm. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Neck Muscle Spasm
M62-M62.9Primary Range
Disorders of muscle
This range includes codes for muscle disorders, with M62.831 specifically for neck muscle spasm.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M62.831 | Muscle spasm of neck | Use when there is documented involuntary contraction of neck muscles. |
|
| M54.2 | Cervicalgia | Use when neck pain is present without muscle spasm. |
|
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 muscle spasm
Essential facts and insights about Neck Muscle Spasm
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for neck muscle spasm
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of muscle spasm confirmed by physical examination.
documentation Criteria
- Detailed documentation of muscle spasm characteristics.
Applicable To
- Cervical muscle spasm
Excludes
- Cervicalgia (M54.2)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Palpable muscle rigidity
- Reduced cervical range of motion
- EMG showing abnormal motor unit activity
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of under-documentation if muscle spasm specifics are not recorded.
Coding Notes
- Ensure muscle spasm is specifically documented to use this code.
M54.2 - Cervicalgia
Use when neck pain is present without muscle spasm.
Applicable To
- Neck pain
Excludes
- Muscle spasm of neck (M62.831)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Reported neck pain without evidence of muscle spasm.
Coding Notes
Do not use if muscle spasm is documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Neck Muscle Spasm 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 inadequate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Train staff on detailed documentation practices., Use templates to ensure completeness.
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to incorrect coding., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies muscle spasm to use M62.831.
Impact
Risk of audit if muscle spasm is not clearly documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure detailed documentation of muscle spasm characteristics.
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 Muscle Spasm, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Neck Muscle Spasm
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Neck Muscle Spasm. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute neck muscle spasm after trauma
Specialty: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- Detailed injury mechanism
- Muscle spasm characteristics
- Pain assessment
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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