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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM46.52

M46.52

Billable

Other infective spondylopathies, cervical region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M46.52 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other infective spondylopathies, cervical region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Infective spondylopathies refer to inflammatory conditions of the spine caused by infectious agents, which can lead to significant morbidity. The cervical region is particularly vulnerable due to its anatomical and functional importance. Conditions classified under M46.52 may arise from bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, leading to symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, and neurological deficits due to spinal cord involvement. Common infectious agents include Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which can cause spondylitis or discitis. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, along with laboratory tests to identify the causative organism. Treatment often requires a combination of antibiotics or antifungal medications and supportive care, including physical therapy. The complexity of managing these conditions is heightened by the potential for complications such as abscess formation or spinal instability, necessitating careful monitoring and follow-up.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of infectious agents that can cause similar symptoms
  • Need for differential diagnosis with non-infective spondylopathies
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other cervical spine conditions
  • Variability in treatment protocols based on the causative organism

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the infectious agent
  • Failure to specify the cervical region affected
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment efficacy
  • Misclassification of non-infective spondylopathies as infective

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of infection, laboratory results, and imaging studies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fever, neck pain, and neurological symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Need for interdisciplinary collaboration with orthopedic and neurosurgery for severe cases.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes, imaging studies, and post-operative follow-up.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients requiring surgical intervention for abscess drainage or spinal stabilization.

Billing Considerations

Documentation of pre-operative assessments and post-operative outcomes is crucial.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M46.52 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M46
  • 52 should be used when the infective nature of the spondylopathy is confirmed
  • It is essential to document the specific infectious agent when known and to differentiate from non
  • infective spondylopathies

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M46.52 When
  • Exclusion criteria include conditions that do not involve an infectious process

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

73030CPT Code

CT scan of the cervical spine

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate suspected cervical spondylopathy.

Documentation Requirements

Indication for the scan and findings must be documented.

Specialty Considerations

Radiology must correlate findings with clinical symptoms.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more precise coding of infective spondylopathies, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions effectively. The specificity of M46.52 aids in better understanding the epidemiology and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more precise coding of infective spondylopathies, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions effectively. The specificity of M46.52 aids in better understanding the epidemiology and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more precise coding of infective spondylopathies, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions effectively. The specificity of M46.52 aids in better understanding the epidemiology and treatment outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Guidelines on Infective Spondylopathies

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Guidelines on Infective Spondylopathies

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of infective spondylopathies?

Common causes include bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus aureus, tuberculosis, and fungal infections. The specific cause often dictates the treatment approach.