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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM41.119

M41.119

Billable

Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis, site unspecified

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/17/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 M41.119 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic scoliosis, site unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis (JIS) is a form of scoliosis that occurs in children aged 10 to 18 years, characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine that is not attributable to any identifiable cause. The condition can manifest as a single curve or multiple curves and may progress over time, leading to significant deformity and potential complications. The etiology of JIS remains largely unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and biomechanical factors. Clinically, JIS is often asymptomatic in its early stages, but as the curvature progresses, it can lead to back pain, postural changes, and psychosocial issues due to the visible deformity. Diagnosis is typically made through physical examination and confirmed with radiographic imaging, which assesses the Cobb angle to determine the severity of the curvature. Treatment options vary based on the degree of curvature and the potential for progression, ranging from observation and bracing to surgical intervention, such as spinal fusion, in more severe cases. The site of the curvature may be unspecified, indicating that the exact location of the deformity has not been determined or documented.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of curvature location
  • Differentiation from other types of scoliosis
  • Need for precise measurement of curvature angles
  • Potential for co-existing spinal deformities

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of curvature measurements
  • Failure to specify the site of scoliosis
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment outcomes
  • Misclassification of idiopathic scoliosis as congenital or neuromuscular

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed imaging reports, curvature measurements, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of scoliosis progression, pre-operative assessments for spinal fusion.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clarity in documentation regarding the type and severity of scoliosis.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Growth charts, family history, and physical examination findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine screening for scoliosis in adolescents, management of mild cases.

Billing Considerations

Document any psychosocial impacts on the patient due to visible deformity.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M41.119 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M41
  • 119 should be used when the curvature is idiopathic and the site is unspecified
  • Coders must ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation and imaging studies

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M41.119 When
  • Exclusion criteria include scoliosis due to known causes such as congenital anomalies or neuromuscular disorders

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22612CPT Code

Spinal fusion, posterior technique

Clinical Scenario

Used for surgical correction of severe idiopathic scoliosis.

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the procedure and pre-operative assessments.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the rationale for surgical intervention.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of scoliosis types, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M41.119 provides a clear designation for juvenile idiopathic scoliosis, facilitating better tracking of treatment outcomes and healthcare resource utilization.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of scoliosis types, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M41.119 provides a clear designation for juvenile idiopathic scoliosis, facilitating better tracking of treatment outcomes and healthcare resource utilization.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. M41.119 provides a clear designation for juvenile idiopathic scoliosis, facilitating better tracking of treatment outcomes and healthcare resource utilization.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is juvenile idiopathic scoliosis?

Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis is a type of scoliosis that occurs in children aged 10 to 18 years, characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine without a known cause.

How is juvenile idiopathic scoliosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made through physical examination and radiographic imaging, which measures the degree of curvature using the Cobb angle.

What are the treatment options for juvenile idiopathic scoliosis?

Treatment options range from observation and bracing for mild cases to surgical intervention, such as spinal fusion, for more severe curvatures.

What documentation is required for coding M41.119?

Documentation must include the diagnosis, curvature measurements, treatment plans, and any imaging studies performed.