ICD-10 Coding for Spondylosis(M47.0, M47.22)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Spondylosis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| M47.0 | Anterior spinal and vertebral artery compression syndromes | Use when imaging confirms vertebral artery compression with neurological symptoms. |
|
| M47.22 | Spondylosis with radiculopathy, cervical region | Use when cervical spondylosis causes radiculopathy confirmed by clinical tests. |
|
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 cervical spondylosis with radiculopathy
Essential facts and insights about Spondylosis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for spondylosis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Imaging shows vertebral artery compression
documentation Criteria
- Documented neurological deficits
Applicable To
- Compression syndromes with neurological deficits
Excludes
- Cervical disc disorder with myelopathy (M50.0-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging showing vertebral artery compression
- Neurological deficits such as syncope or vertigo
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if neurological symptoms are not documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the presence of compression and associated symptoms.
M47.22 - Spondylosis with radiculopathy, cervical region
Use when cervical spondylosis causes radiculopathy confirmed by clinical tests.
Applicable To
- Cervical spondylosis with radicular pain
Excludes
- Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy (M50.1-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Radicular pain extending to specific dermatome
- Positive Spurling's test
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation includes specific dermatome affected.
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 Spondylosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M47.0.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate surgical referrals., Regulatory: Non-compliance with Medicare requirements., Financial: Denial of claims for surgical procedures.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all conservative treatments are documented, Use templates to capture treatment history
Impact
Reimbursement: Claims may be denied due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data affecting patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific codes like M47.812 for cervical spondylosis without myelopathy.
Impact
Lack of detailed documentation can lead to audit failures.
Mitigation Strategy
Use standardized templates to ensure all treatments are recorded.
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 Spondylosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Spondylosis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Spondylosis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Cervical spondylosis with radiculopathy
Specialty: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- Location of spondylosis
- Neurological deficits
- Imaging findings
- Treatment history
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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