ICD-10 Coding for Herniated Cervical Disc(M50.1-, M50.0-)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Herniated Cervical Disc. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Herniated Cervical Disc
M50.0-M50.9Primary Range
Cervical disc disorders
This range includes all disorders related to cervical disc herniation, including those with radiculopathy and myelopathy.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M50.1- | Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy | Use when radiculopathy is confirmed by clinical exam and imaging. |
|
| M50.0- | Cervical disc disorder with myelopathy | Use when myelopathy is confirmed by clinical exam and imaging. |
|
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 herniated cervical disc
Essential facts and insights about Herniated Cervical Disc
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for herniated cervical disc
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of dermatomal sensory loss and MRI confirmation
Applicable To
- Radiculopathy due to cervical disc herniation
Excludes
- Cervicalgia (M54.2)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Radicular pain in dermatomal distribution
- MRI showing nerve root compression
Code-Specific Risks
- Confusion with cervicalgia if radiculopathy is not documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies radiculopathy and affected nerve root.
M50.0- - Cervical disc disorder with myelopathy
Use when myelopathy is confirmed by clinical exam and imaging.
Applicable To
- Myelopathy due to cervical disc herniation
Excludes
- Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (M47.12)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Hyperreflexia, gait disturbance
- MRI showing spinal cord compression
Coding Notes
Document specific myelopathic signs and MRI findings.
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 Herniated Cervical 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: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Financial: Potential for denied claims
Mitigation Strategy
Always document specific nerve root affected, Use imaging to confirm diagnosis
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies radiculopathy or myelopathy for accurate coding.
Impact
Lack of specificity in documenting cervical disc disorders can lead to audit issues.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure detailed documentation of symptoms and imaging findings.
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 Herniated Cervical Disc, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Herniated Cervical Disc
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Herniated Cervical Disc. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Neurosurgery Consult for Cervical Disc Herniation
Specialty: NeurosurgeryRequired Elements
- Patient symptoms
- Neurological exam findings
- Imaging results
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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