ICD-10 Coding for Cervicalgia(M54.2, M50.10)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cervicalgia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Cervicalgia
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M54.2 | Cervicalgia | Use for non-specific neck pain without radicular symptoms. |
|
| M50.10 | Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy | Use when cervical disc disorder 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 cervicalgia
Essential facts and insights about Cervicalgia
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cervicalgia
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of neck pain without radicular symptoms
documentation Criteria
- Detailed description of pain location and characteristics
Applicable To
- Neck pain
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documentation of neck pain without radiculopathy or myelopathy
- Physical exam findings such as tenderness or limited range of motion
Code-Specific Risks
- Misuse for cases with radiculopathy or specific cervical spine disorders
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation clearly differentiates between cervicalgia and other cervical spine disorders.
M50.10 - Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy
Use when cervical disc disorder is accompanied by radiculopathy.
Applicable To
- Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy
Excludes
- Cervicalgia (M54.2)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive Spurling's test
- Neurological deficits in corresponding dermatomes
Coding Notes
Ensure neurological findings are documented to support radiculopathy.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Acute pain due to trauma
G89.21Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cervicalgia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M54.2.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning, Regulatory: Potential for audit issues, Financial: Denied claims due to lack of specificity
Mitigation Strategy
Use structured templates, Ensure thorough patient interviews
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Use M96.1 for postoperative cervicalgia.
Impact
Inadequate documentation of neurological findings can lead to audit issues.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure detailed documentation of neurological exams and imaging results.
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 Cervicalgia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Cervicalgia
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Cervicalgia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic Cervicalgia
Specialty: ChiropracticRequired Elements
- Pain description
- Physical exam findings
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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