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ICD-10 Coding for Cervical Herniated Disc(M50.1-, M50.0-)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cervical Herniated Disc. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Cervical Disc HerniationCervical Disc Prolapse

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cervical Herniated Disc

M50.0-M50.9Primary Range

Cervical disc disorders

This range includes all cervical disc disorders, including herniation with radiculopathy or myelopathy.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M50.1-Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathyUse when imaging confirms nerve root compression with radiculopathy symptoms.
  • Radicular pain radiating to upper extremity
  • Positive Spurling's test
  • Diminished DTRs in affected dermatome
M50.0-Cervical disc disorder with myelopathyUse when imaging shows cord compression with myelopathy symptoms.
  • Gait disturbance
  • Hyperreflexia
  • Positive Babinski sign
  • + 1 more

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 cervical herniated disc

Essential facts and insights about Cervical Herniated Disc

The ICD-10 code for cervical herniated disc with radiculopathy is M50.1-, requiring specificity for the affected level.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cervical herniated disc

M50.1-
Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of radicular symptoms confirmed by imaging

Applicable To

  • Radiculopathy due to cervical disc herniation

Excludes

  • Myelopathy due to cervical disc disorder (M50.0-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Radicular pain radiating to upper extremity
  • Positive Spurling's test
  • Diminished DTRs in affected dermatome

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with myelopathy symptoms

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies radiculopathy and affected level.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Neck pain

M54.2
Use if neck pain persists after addressing primary condition.

Differential Codes

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

Cervicalgia

M54.2
Use M54.2 for neck pain without radiculopathy or myelopathy.

Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy

M50.1-
Use M50.1- for nerve root compression without myelopathy.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cervical Herniated Disc to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M50.1-.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresents the severity and nature of the condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure neurological symptoms are documented., Use M50.1- or M50.0- as primary codes when applicable.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: May result in non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of clinical data and treatment records.

Mitigation Strategy

Differentiate based on clinical symptoms and imaging findings.

Impact

Lack of documentation for failed conservative treatment can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all conservative treatments are documented with duration and outcomes.

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 Cervical Herniated Disc, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Cervical Herniated Disc

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Cervical Herniated Disc. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Cervical Radiculopathy Evaluation

Specialty: Neurosurgery

Required Elements

  • History of radicular pain
  • Neurological examination findings
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

52yo M with 3mo history of right C6 radicular pain radiating to thumb, worsened by neck extension. Failed 8w PT/NSAIDs.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has neck pain.
Good Documentation Example
Limited cervical rotation (45° left/30° right) with reproduction of radicular symptoms in right C6 distribution during quadrant testing.
Explanation
The good example specifies the range of motion and correlates symptoms with specific cervical levels.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Cervical Herniated Disc? Ask your questions below.

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