ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM47.819

M47.819

Billable

Spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy, site unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M47.819 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy, site unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Spondylosis refers to degenerative changes in the spine, primarily affecting the intervertebral discs and facet joints. This condition is characterized by the wear and tear of the spinal structures, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. In cases of spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy, patients experience symptoms localized to the spine without neurological deficits. The unspecified site indicates that the degenerative changes may occur in any region of the spine, including cervical, thoracic, or lumbar areas. Spondylosis can be associated with other conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, which is a specific type of inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine and can lead to fusion of the vertebrae. Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal, may also coexist with spondylosis, contributing to symptoms of pain and discomfort. Accurate diagnosis often involves imaging studies and clinical evaluation to differentiate spondylosis from other spinal disorders, including inflammatory spine conditions that may present similarly but require different management strategies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and symptoms among patients
  • Need for precise documentation of the site and severity of spondylosis
  • Differentiation from other spinal conditions such as stenosis or inflammatory diseases
  • Potential for overlapping diagnoses that may complicate coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the site of spondylosis
  • Misdiagnosis or coding of related conditions
  • Lack of imaging studies to support the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic back pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the absence of neurological symptoms is documented to avoid misclassification.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of inflammatory markers, patient history, and response to treatment.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with suspected inflammatory spine conditions requiring differentiation from degenerative changes.

Billing Considerations

Document any inflammatory markers or symptoms that may indicate a different underlying condition.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M47.819 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M47
  • 819 should be used when spondylosis is confirmed without associated myelopathy or radiculopathy
  • Documentation must clearly indicate the absence of these conditions
  • It is important to specify the site of the spondylosis when possible, as unspecified codes may lead to billing issues

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M47.819 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

72040CPT Code

Radiologic examination, spine, complete, including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar views

Clinical Scenario

When imaging is performed to evaluate spondylosis.

Documentation Requirements

Radiology report must be included in the patient's medical record.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists often order these imaging studies.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spondylosis, improving the ability to capture the nuances of the condition, including the absence of myelopathy or radiculopathy. This specificity aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spondylosis, improving the ability to capture the nuances of the condition, including the absence of myelopathy or radiculopathy. This specificity aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spondylosis, improving the ability to capture the nuances of the condition, including the absence of myelopathy or radiculopathy. This specificity aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

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 difference between spondylosis and spondylitis?

Spondylosis refers to degenerative changes in the spine, while spondylitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the spine, often associated with autoimmune diseases.