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ICD-10 Coding for Thoracic Spondylosis(M47.814)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Thoracic Spondylosis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Thoracic ArthritisDegenerative Joint Disease of Thoracic Spine

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Thoracic Spondylosis

M47.814Primary Range

Spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy, thoracic region

This is the primary ICD-10 code for thoracic spondylosis without neurological involvement.

Spondylosis with radiculopathy, thoracic region

Used when thoracic spondylosis presents with radiculopathy.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for thoracic spondylosis

Essential facts and insights about Thoracic Spondylosis

The ICD-10 code for thoracic spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy is M47.814.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for thoracic spondylosis

Spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy, thoracic region
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Imaging shows degenerative changes without neurological symptoms.

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit statement of 'thoracic spondylosis without spinal cord or nerve root involvement'.

Applicable To

  • Degenerative joint disease of thoracic spine

Excludes

  • Spondylosis with myelopathy (M47.21-)
  • Spondylosis with radiculopathy (M47.24)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging confirms osteophyte formation at T6-T8 with disc space narrowing
  • No cord compression or radicular symptoms

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as M47.9 which is non-specific

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'without myelopathy or radiculopathy'.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pain in thoracic spine

M54.6
Use when thoracic pain is present but spondylosis is not confirmed.

Differential Codes

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

Spondylosis with radiculopathy, thoracic region

M47.24
Presence of radicular symptoms confirmed by EMG/NCS.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Thoracic Spondylosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M47.814.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Fails to meet documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms like 'thoracic spondylosis'., Document imaging results.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect reimbursement levels., Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure specific documentation of thoracic region and absence of neurological symptoms.

Impact

Risk of audits due to non-specific coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation clearly states the absence of neurological symptoms.

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

Documentation Templates for Thoracic Spondylosis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Thoracic Spondylosis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Orthopedic Assessment

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Imaging results
  • Neurological exam findings
  • Pain assessment

Example Documentation

Assessment: Thoracic spondylosis (M47.814) confirmed by MRI showing anterior osteophytes at T7-T9.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Thoracic degeneration noted.
Good Documentation Example
Imaging confirms osteophyte formation at T6-T8 with disc space narrowing, no cord compression or radicular symptoms.
Explanation
The good example provides specific imaging findings and excludes neurological involvement.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Thoracic Spondylosis? Ask your questions below.

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