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ICD-10 Coding for Paraspinal Abscess(M60.08)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Paraspinal Abscess. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Paravertebral AbscessSpinal Muscle Abscess

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Paraspinal Abscess

M60-M63Primary Range

Disorders of muscles

Includes codes for muscle infections, which cover paraspinal abscesses.

Bacterial and viral infectious agents

Used to identify the causative organism of the abscess.

Complications of surgical and medical care, not elsewhere classified

Includes codes for post-procedural infections.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for paraspinal abscess

Essential facts and insights about Paraspinal Abscess

The ICD-10 code for a paraspinal abscess is M60.08, which includes infective myositis of other sites.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for paraspinal abscess

Other infective myositis, other site
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Abscess confirmed by imaging in paraspinal muscles.

documentation Criteria

  • Culture results identifying organism.

Applicable To

  • Paraspinal muscle abscess

Excludes

  • Intraspinal abscess (G06.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging showing abscess in paraspinal muscles
  • Positive culture for infectious organism

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with intraspinal abscess coding

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies muscle involvement and organism.

Ancillary Codes

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

Staphylococcus aureus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B95.61
Use when cultures confirm Staphylococcus aureus.

Infection following a procedure, initial encounter

T81.4XXA
Use for abscesses following a surgical procedure.

Differential Codes

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

Intraspinal abscess

G06.1
Use only if abscess extends into the spinal canal.

Cutaneous abscess of trunk

L02.211
Use for superficial abscesses not involving muscle.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Paraspinal Abscess to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M60.08.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete clinical picture., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Missed opportunities for higher reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure culture results are documented., Use additional codes for organism identification.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment may affect reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify imaging to confirm location outside the spinal canal.

Impact

Failure to code identified organisms can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the organism when identified.

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 Paraspinal Abscess, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Paraspinal Abscess

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Paraspinal Abscess. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Paraspinal abscess post-procedure

Specialty: Neurosurgery

Required Elements

  • Location and size of abscess
  • Imaging findings
  • Culture results
  • Procedure details

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a 3.5 cm paraspinal abscess in the right lumbar region, confirmed by MRI. Culture positive for MRSA. Abscess developed post-lumbar facet injection.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Back abscess
Good Documentation Example
3.5 cm paraspinal abscess in right L3-L4 erector spinae, MRSA-positive via CT-guided aspiration
Explanation
The good example provides specific location, size, and organism, which are critical for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Paraspinal Abscess? Ask your questions below.

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