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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM42.10

M42.10

Billable

Adult osteochondrosis of spine, site unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M42.10 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of adult osteochondrosis of spine, site unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Adult osteochondrosis of the spine refers to a degenerative condition affecting the intervertebral discs and vertebrae, leading to pain, stiffness, and potential deformities. This condition is characterized by the degeneration of cartilage and bone, often resulting in osteophyte formation and disc herniation. Patients may present with symptoms such as chronic back pain, reduced mobility, and neurological deficits if nerve roots are compressed. The condition can lead to spinal deformities, including scoliosis (lateral curvature of the spine), kyphosis (excessive outward curvature), and lordosis (excessive inward curvature). These deformities can further complicate the clinical picture, necessitating interventions such as spinal fusion procedures to stabilize the spine and alleviate pain. The unspecified site indicates that the exact location of the osteochondrosis is not documented, which can complicate treatment planning and coding accuracy. Proper diagnosis and management require a comprehensive evaluation, including imaging studies and clinical assessments, to determine the extent of degeneration and any associated deformities.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Unspecified site can lead to ambiguity in treatment and coding.
  • Potential for coexisting spinal deformities complicates clinical management.
  • Variability in presentation and severity among patients.
  • Need for detailed documentation to support the diagnosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings.
  • Failure to specify the site of osteochondrosis.
  • Misclassification of spinal deformities.
  • Inconsistent coding practices among providers.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic back pain and deformities requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly outline the rationale for surgical procedures such as spinal fusion.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessments of functional limitations and treatment progress.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing rehabilitation for pain management and mobility improvement.

Billing Considerations

Focus on documenting the impact of osteochondrosis on daily activities and rehabilitation goals.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M42.10 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, M42
  • 10 should be used when the specific site of osteochondrosis is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation and that any associated conditions are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M42.10 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22630CPT Code

Spinal fusion, posterior technique

Clinical Scenario

Used for patients with osteochondrosis requiring stabilization.

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the rationale for fusion in the context of osteochondrosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteochondrosis, improving the ability to capture the complexity of spinal conditions. However, the unspecified site in M42.10 may lead to challenges in reimbursement and clinical management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteochondrosis, improving the ability to capture the complexity of spinal conditions. However, the unspecified site in M42.10 may lead to challenges in reimbursement and clinical management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and clinical management.

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 significance of the unspecified site in M42.10?

The unspecified site indicates that the exact location of osteochondrosis is not documented, which can complicate treatment planning and coding accuracy. It is essential to strive for specificity in documentation to improve patient care and coding accuracy.