ICD-10 Coding for Multilevel Spondylosis(M47.81, M47.82, M47.26)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Multilevel Spondylosis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Multilevel Spondylosis
M47.0-M47.9Primary Range
Spondylosis
This range includes codes for spondylosis affecting various spinal regions, with or without myelopathy or radiculopathy.
Radiculopathy
These codes are used to specify radiculopathy when it is not included in the primary spondylosis code.
Spinal Stenosis
These codes are used when spinal stenosis is present alongside spondylosis.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M47.81 | Cervical spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy | Use when cervical spondylosis is present without neurological symptoms. |
|
| M47.82 | Cervical spondylosis with myelopathy | Use when cervical spondylosis is present with myelopathy. |
|
| M47.26 | Lumbar spondylosis with radiculopathy | Use when lumbar spondylosis is present with 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 multilevel spondylosis
Essential facts and insights about Multilevel Spondylosis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for multilevel spondylosis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- No neurological symptoms present
Applicable To
- Cervical spondylosis
Excludes
- Cervical disc disorder with myelopathy (M50.0-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging showing cervical degenerative changes without nerve involvement
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if neurological symptoms are present
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies absence of myelopathy or radiculopathy.
M47.82 - Cervical spondylosis with myelopathy
Use when cervical spondylosis is present with myelopathy.
Applicable To
- Cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Excludes
- Cervical disc disorder with myelopathy (M50.0-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging showing cervical degenerative changes with spinal cord compression
Coding Notes
Document myelopathy symptoms and correlate with imaging findings.
M47.26 - Lumbar spondylosis with radiculopathy
Use when lumbar spondylosis is present with radiculopathy.
Applicable To
- Lumbar spondylotic radiculopathy
Excludes
- Lumbar disc disorder with radiculopathy (M51.1-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging showing lumbar degenerative changes with nerve root compression
Coding Notes
Document radiculopathy symptoms and correlate with imaging findings.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Multilevel Spondylosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M47.81.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for claim denials
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific terminology, Correlate clinical findings with imaging
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data
Mitigation Strategy
Specify each affected region with appropriate codes
Impact
Auditors may flag unspecified codes for lack of specificity
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation supports specific code selection
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 Multilevel Spondylosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Multilevel Spondylosis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Multilevel Spondylosis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Cervical and lumbar spondylosis with radiculopathy
Specialty: NeurologyRequired Elements
- Imaging findings
- Neurological symptoms
- Affected spinal regions
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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