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ICD-10 Coding for Intercostal Muscle Spasm(M62.838, R07.82)

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

Also known as:

Rib Muscle SpasmChest Wall Muscle Spasm

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Intercostal Muscle Spasm

M60-M63Primary Range

Disorders of muscles

This range includes codes for muscle disorders, including spasms.

Symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory systems

This range includes codes for symptoms like chest pain, which can accompany muscle spasms.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M62.838Other muscle spasmUse when there is a confirmed intercostal muscle spasm without underlying trauma.
  • Palpable muscle rigidity
  • Pain with movement
  • Physical exam findings
R07.82Intercostal painUse when pain is localized to intercostal spaces without confirmed spasm.
  • Localized pain in intercostal spaces
  • Tenderness on palpation

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 intercostal muscle spasm

Essential facts and insights about Intercostal Muscle Spasm

The ICD-10 code for intercostal muscle spasm is M62.838, used for other muscle spasms including intercostal.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for intercostal muscles spasm

Other muscle spasm
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of palpable muscle rigidity and pain with movement.

coding Criteria

  • Differentiate from back muscle spasm (M62.830).

Applicable To

  • Intercostal muscle spasm

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Palpable muscle rigidity
  • Pain with movement
  • Physical exam findings

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification with back muscle spasm
  • Omission of associated symptoms

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'intercostal muscle spasm' to avoid misclassification.

Ancillary Codes

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

Myalgia

M79.1
Use when diffuse muscle pain accompanies spasm.

Other specified respiratory disorders

J98.89
Use for breathing pattern disturbances from spasm.

Differential Codes

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

Strain of muscle and tendon of thorax

S29.012A
Use for traumatic muscle strain with spasm.

Other chest pain

R07.89
Use when pain is not specifically intercostal.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Intercostal 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: Leads to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms like 'intercostal spasm'., Include detailed physical exam findings.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the underlying muscle spasm if present.

Impact

Risk of coding intercostal pain without specifying spasm.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of muscle spasm.

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

Documentation Templates for Intercostal Muscle Spasm

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

Emergency Department Visit

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Location of spasm
  • Quality of spasm
  • Provocation and relief factors
  • Associated symptoms

Example Documentation

Patient presents with acute intercostal muscle spasm, characterized by palpable rigidity and pain on inspiration.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Chest pain
Good Documentation Example
Intercostal muscle spasm with palpable rigidity between ribs 5-6.
Explanation
The good example specifies the location and nature of the spasm, improving clinical clarity.

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

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