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ICD-10 Coding for Trapezius Muscle Spasm(M62.838)

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

Also known as:

Trapezius SpasmUpper Back Muscle Spasm

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Trapezius Muscle Spasm

M62.830-M62.838Primary Range

Muscle spasm codes for various body regions

This range includes codes for muscle spasms in different body regions, including the back and other sites, relevant for coding trapezius muscle spasm.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for trapezius muscle spasm

Essential facts and insights about Trapezius Muscle Spasm

The ICD-10 code for trapezius muscle spasm is M62.838, used for muscle spasms of other sites.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for trapezius muscle spasm

Muscle spasm of other site
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of trigger points and taut bands in trapezius

documentation Criteria

  • Specific mention of trapezius muscle in clinical notes

Applicable To

  • Trapezius muscle spasm

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Palpable taut bands in trapezius
  • Trigger points with referred pain
  • Restricted range of motion in cervical region

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing with general back spasm codes
  • Not specifying the trapezius muscle in documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'trapezius muscle spasm' to avoid confusion with other muscle spasm codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Cervicalgia

M54.2
Use if neck pain is present alongside the spasm.

Whiplash injury

S13.4
Use for spasms resulting from trauma.

Differential Codes

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

Cervicalgia

M54.2
Use for neck pain without confirmed spasm.

Myalgia

M79.1
Use for general muscle pain without spasm.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Trapezius Muscle Spasm to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M62.838.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Fails to meet documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify the muscle and region affected., Use templates to ensure comprehensive documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Document and code specifically for trapezius muscle spasm using M62.838.

Impact

Risk of audits due to non-specific coding of muscle spasms.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation clearly specifies the trapezius muscle.

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

Documentation Templates for Trapezius Muscle Spasm

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

Physical Therapy Evaluation

Specialty: Physical Therapy

Required Elements

  • Subjective pain description
  • Objective findings including trigger points
  • Plan for treatment

Example Documentation

Patient reports pain in upper trapezius aggravated by computer use. Palpation reveals taut band in right upper trapezius. Plan includes dry needling.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Treat trapezius pain.
Good Documentation Example
Administered lidocaine injection to 3 trigger points in left upper trapezius; post-procedure VAS decreased from 7 to 2.
Explanation
The good example provides specific treatment details and outcome, improving documentation quality.

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

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