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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM47.899

M47.899

Billable

Other spondylosis, site unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M47.899 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other spondylosis, site unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

M47.899 refers to a category of spondylosis that does not fit into more specific classifications. Spondylosis is a degenerative condition affecting the spine, characterized by the degeneration of intervertebral discs and the formation of bone spurs. This condition can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It is often associated with aging but can also result from repetitive stress or injury. Patients may experience symptoms such as localized back pain, radiating pain to the extremities, and neurological deficits if nerve roots are compressed. The unspecified site indicates that the exact location of the spondylosis is not documented, which can complicate treatment and management. This code is particularly relevant in cases where the clinician has not specified the affected vertebral region, making it essential for coders to ensure that all relevant clinical information is captured to avoid ambiguity in patient records.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Lack of specificity in documentation regarding the affected spinal region.
  • Potential overlap with other spondylotic conditions.
  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptomatology.
  • Need for comprehensive patient history to determine the underlying cause.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of symptoms and clinical findings.
  • Inconsistent use of the unspecified code when a specific site could be identified.
  • Failure to document the patient's history of spinal issues.
  • Inadequate differentiation from other spinal conditions.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed imaging reports, physical examination findings, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic back pain, history of trauma, or degenerative changes on imaging.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant imaging studies are documented to support the diagnosis.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with suspected inflammatory spine conditions or autoimmune disorders affecting the spine.

Billing Considerations

Differentiation from ankylosing spondylitis is crucial for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M47.899 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M47
  • 899 should be used when the specific site of spondylosis is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical information is captured to support the use of this code
  • It is important to review the patient's medical history and any imaging studies to determine if a more specific code is applicable

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M47.899 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

72040CPT Code

X-ray of the spine, 2 or 3 views

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate the spine for degenerative changes.

Documentation Requirements

Include the reason for the X-ray and any relevant clinical findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists often order these imaging studies.

722.10CPT Code

MRI of the spine

Clinical Scenario

Used when more detailed imaging is needed to assess spondylosis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the specific symptoms prompting the MRI.

Specialty Considerations

Rheumatologists may order MRIs to evaluate inflammatory changes.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of spondylotic conditions, improving the ability to capture the complexity of spinal disorders. M47.899 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders are encouraged to seek specificity when possible to enhance patient care and reimbursement accuracy.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of spondylotic conditions, improving the ability to capture the complexity of spinal disorders. M47.899 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders are encouraged to seek specificity when possible to enhance patient care and reimbursement accuracy.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement accuracy.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
  • •
    American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
  • •
    American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I document to support the use of M47.899?

Document the patient's symptoms, history of spinal issues, and any imaging studies that indicate degenerative changes without specifying the site.

Can M47.899 be used for patients with a known site of spondylosis?

No, if the site is known, a more specific code should be used to accurately reflect the patient's condition.