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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM47.013

M47.013

Billable

Anterior spinal artery compression syndromes, cervicothoracic region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M47.013 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of anterior spinal artery compression syndromes, cervicothoracic region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Anterior spinal artery compression syndromes in the cervicothoracic region refer to a group of conditions characterized by the compression of the anterior spinal artery, which can lead to ischemia and neurological deficits in the cervical and upper thoracic spinal cord. This syndrome is often associated with various spondylopathies, including ankylosing spondylitis and spinal stenosis, where structural changes in the spine can compromise blood flow to the spinal cord. Inflammatory spine conditions may also contribute to this syndrome, as inflammation can lead to edema and subsequent compression of vascular structures. Patients may present with symptoms such as weakness, sensory loss, and bowel or bladder dysfunction, which are indicative of anterior spinal cord involvement. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as MRI to visualize the spinal cord and surrounding structures, and treatment may include surgical intervention to relieve compression, along with management of underlying conditions. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and tracking of these complex conditions.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying conditions (e.g., spondylopathies, inflammatory diseases)
  • Need for precise documentation of neurological deficits
  • Differentiation from other spinal conditions
  • Potential for multiple co-existing diagnoses

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of neurological symptoms
  • Failure to specify the underlying condition causing compression
  • Misclassification of the region affected (cervical vs. thoracic)
  • Lack of imaging studies to support diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with weakness, sensory changes, or bowel/bladder dysfunction due to spinal cord compression.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of neurological deficits and correlation with imaging findings.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes, pre-operative assessments, and post-operative follow-up documentation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for spinal stenosis or decompression due to anterior spinal artery compression.

Billing Considerations

Document the rationale for surgical intervention and any complications.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M47.013 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's etiology and associated symptoms
  • Include any relevant imaging studies and clinical findings that support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M47.013 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

63075CPT Code

Laminectomy, cervical, for decompression of spinal cord

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of anterior spinal artery compression due to structural abnormalities.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indication for surgery.

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 anterior spinal artery compression syndromes, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions. The granularity of ICD-10 codes facilitates better data collection and analysis for treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of anterior spinal artery compression syndromes, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions. The granularity of ICD-10 codes facilitates better data collection and analysis for treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of anterior spinal artery compression syndromes, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions. The granularity of ICD-10 codes facilitates better data collection and analysis for treatment outcomes.

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 anterior spinal artery compression syndromes?

Common symptoms include weakness in the limbs, sensory loss, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and gait instability, depending on the level of spinal cord involvement.