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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM42.08

M42.08

Billable

Juvenile osteochondrosis of spine, sacral and sacrococcygeal region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M42.08 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of juvenile osteochondrosis of spine, sacral and sacrococcygeal region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Juvenile osteochondrosis of the spine, particularly in the sacral and sacrococcygeal regions, is a condition characterized by the degeneration of the vertebral growth plates in children and adolescents. This condition can lead to pain, deformity, and functional impairment due to the disruption of normal bone development. The sacral and sacrococcygeal regions are particularly vulnerable due to their structural role in the spine and pelvis. Symptoms may include localized pain, stiffness, and in some cases, neurological symptoms if nerve roots are affected. The condition can contribute to spinal deformities such as scoliosis, kyphosis, or lordosis, which may necessitate surgical intervention, including spinal fusion procedures. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI, and assessment of growth patterns. Early intervention is crucial to prevent long-term complications and to manage symptoms effectively.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation among patients
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and imaging findings
  • Differentiation from other spinal disorders
  • Potential for co-existing conditions affecting coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the affected region of the spine
  • Misclassification of the condition as a more general spinal disorder
  • Lack of imaging studies to support diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes, imaging results, and treatment plans must be documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Assessment of spinal deformities, pre-operative evaluations for spinal fusion.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant imaging studies are included in the documentation to support the diagnosis.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Growth charts, developmental assessments, and family history should be documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Monitoring growth and development in children with spinal conditions.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of the child's overall health and any comorbidities that may affect treatment.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M42.08 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M42
  • 08 should be used when the condition is specifically diagnosed and documented
  • It is important to include any relevant imaging findings and clinical assessments to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M42.08 When
  • Exclusion criteria include conditions that do not involve osteochondrosis

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22554CPT Code

Spinal fusion, posterior technique

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases where spinal deformities due to osteochondrosis require surgical correction.

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports must detail the procedure and rationale for surgery.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document pre-operative assessments and post-operative outcomes.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of juvenile osteochondrosis, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment planning. M42.08 provides a clear classification for this condition, facilitating better patient management and research.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of juvenile osteochondrosis, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment planning. M42.08 provides a clear classification for this condition, facilitating better patient management and research.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of juvenile osteochondrosis, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment planning. M42.08 provides a clear classification for this condition, facilitating better patient management and research.

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 are the common symptoms of juvenile osteochondrosis?

Common symptoms include localized back pain, stiffness, and potential neurological symptoms if nerve roots are affected. Patients may also exhibit signs of spinal deformities such as scoliosis or kyphosis.