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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM46.02

M46.02

Billable

Spinal enthesopathy, cervical region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M46.02 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of spinal enthesopathy, cervical region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Spinal enthesopathy in the cervical region refers to a condition characterized by inflammation and degeneration at the sites where tendons and ligaments attach to the cervical vertebrae. This condition can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the neck. It is often associated with various inflammatory spine conditions, including ankylosing spondylitis, which is a type of spondyloarthritis that primarily affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints. Patients may experience chronic pain and progressive stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity. The cervical region is particularly vulnerable due to its range of motion and the stress placed on the cervical spine during daily activities. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and sometimes laboratory tests to rule out other conditions. Treatment may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases, surgical intervention. Understanding the nuances of spinal enthesopathy is crucial for accurate coding and effective patient management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between enthesopathy and other spinal conditions
  • Variability in clinical presentation among patients
  • Need for comprehensive documentation to support diagnosis
  • Potential overlap with other ICD-10 codes related to spondylopathies

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the exact location of enthesopathy
  • Misclassification of enthesopathy as a different spinal condition
  • Lack of supporting imaging studies

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of symptoms, physical examination findings, and imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic neck pain, stiffness, and a history of inflammatory arthritis.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly outline the inflammatory nature of the condition and any associated systemic symptoms.

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes, pre-operative assessments, and post-operative follow-ups.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients requiring surgical intervention for severe enthesopathy-related symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Clear documentation of conservative treatment attempts prior to surgery is essential.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M46.02 When
  • According to the official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, M46
  • 02 should be used when the clinical documentation supports a diagnosis of spinal enthesopathy specifically in the cervical region
  • It is important to ensure that the documentation includes details about the patient's symptoms, duration, and any relevant imaging findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M46.02 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

20610CPT Code

Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection into a major joint or bursa

Clinical Scenario

Used when performing injections for pain relief in cases of cervical enthesopathy.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure, the joint involved, and the patient's response.

Specialty Considerations

Rheumatologists may perform this procedure as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spinal conditions, including enthesopathy. This specificity improves the accuracy of data collection and enhances the ability to track treatment outcomes and resource utilization.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spinal conditions, including enthesopathy. This specificity improves the accuracy of data collection and enhances the ability to track treatment outcomes and resource utilization.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and to avoid claim denials.

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 spinal enthesopathy?

Spinal enthesopathy refers to inflammation and degeneration at the sites where tendons and ligaments attach to the spine, leading to pain and functional impairment.

How is M46.02 different from other spinal codes?

M46.02 specifically denotes enthesopathy in the cervical region, while other codes may refer to different types of spinal conditions or locations.