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ICD-10 Coding for Spinal Stenosis, Cervical Region(M48.02)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Spinal Stenosis, Cervical Region. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Cervical Spinal StenosisNeck Spinal Stenosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Spinal Stenosis, Cervical Region

M48.0-M48.03Primary Range

Spinal stenosis codes for different regions

This range includes codes for spinal stenosis in various regions, with M48.02 specifically for the cervical region.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for spinal stenosis cervical region

Essential facts and insights about Spinal Stenosis, Cervical Region

The ICD-10 code for spinal stenosis in the cervical region is M48.02, covering stenosis at C2-C7 levels.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for spinal stenosis cervical region

Spinal stenosis, cervical region
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • MRI confirms stenosis at C2-C7

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation specifies cervical level

Applicable To

  • Stenosis at C2-C7

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI showing spinal canal narrowing at C2-C7
  • Clinical symptoms of neurogenic claudication or radiculopathy

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified code M48.00 when specific level is documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the exact cervical level affected.

Ancillary Codes

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

Myelopathy in diseases classified elsewhere

G99.2
Use when myelopathy is present with cervical stenosis.

Cervical radiculopathy

M54.12
Use when radiculopathy is present with cervical stenosis.

Differential Codes

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

Spinal stenosis, occipito-atlanto-axial region

M48.01
Use for stenosis at C0-C2.

Spinal stenosis, cervicothoracic region

M48.03
Use for stenosis at C7-T1.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Spinal Stenosis, Cervical Region to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M48.02.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on documentation requirements, Use templates that prompt for specific levels

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the exact level and use the corresponding specific code.

Impact

Risk of audits due to use of unspecified codes when specific codes are available.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies exact cervical levels and use corresponding codes.

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 Spinal Stenosis, Cervical Region, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Spinal Stenosis, Cervical Region

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Spinal Stenosis, Cervical Region. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Cervical stenosis with myelopathy

Specialty: Neurosurgery

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

**History**: 65M with 6-month history of progressive gait imbalance, hand clumsiness, and C6 dermatomal pain. **Exam**: Hyperreflexia in lower extremities, positive Babinski, reduced grip strength (4/5) right hand. **Imaging**: MRI cervical spine (3/29/25) demonstrates severe central canal stenosis at C5-C6 (AP 7mm), Grade 2 stenosis per AJR criteria, with T2 cord signal change. **Assessment**: Cervical spinal stenosis C5-C6 with myelopathy (G99.2) and C6 radiculopathy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Neck pain, needs surgery
Good Documentation Example
C5-C6 stenosis with neurogenic claudication refractory to 8 weeks of PT; MRI shows Grade 3 stenosis (cord signal change)
Explanation
The good example provides specific levels, symptoms, and imaging findings, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Spinal Stenosis, Cervical Region? Ask your questions below.

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