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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS13.111

S13.111

Billable

Dislocation of C0/C1 cervical vertebrae

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S13.111 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of dislocation of c0/c1 cervical vertebrae.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Dislocation of the C0/C1 cervical vertebrae, also known as atlanto-occipital dislocation, is a serious injury that occurs at the junction of the skull and the spine. This dislocation can result from high-energy trauma such as motor vehicle accidents, falls from heights, or sports injuries. The C0 vertebra (the occipital bone) and C1 vertebra (the atlas) are critical for head and neck mobility and stability. Dislocation at this level can lead to significant neurological deficits due to potential damage to the brainstem and spinal cord. Symptoms may include severe neck pain, loss of motor function, sensory deficits, and in severe cases, respiratory failure. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to assess the alignment of the vertebrae and any associated injuries. Prompt recognition and management are crucial to prevent long-term complications, including paralysis or death.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • High risk of neurological complications
  • Need for precise imaging interpretation
  • Potential for associated injuries
  • Variability in presentation and symptoms

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the level of dislocation
  • Lack of imaging results in the medical record
  • Misclassification of dislocation severity

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include a detailed account of the mechanism of injury, initial assessment findings, and imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma cases presenting with neck pain after high-impact accidents.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all neurological assessments are documented, as they are critical for determining the severity of the injury.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports must detail the surgical approach, findings, and any complications encountered during the procedure.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for stabilization of the cervical spine following dislocation.

Billing Considerations

Document any pre-existing conditions that may affect surgical outcomes.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S13.111 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the dislocation is coded to the highest level of specificity, including laterality and any associated injuries

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S13.111 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22551CPT Code

Arthrodesis, anterior or posterior technique

Clinical Scenario

Used in surgical management of cervical dislocation.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report must detail the approach and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Neurosurgery or orthopedic surgery documentation must be thorough.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of cervical dislocations, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of cervical dislocations, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary concern with C0/C1 dislocation?

The primary concern is the potential for neurological compromise due to the proximity of the dislocated vertebrae to the brainstem and spinal cord.