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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesP11.5

P11.5

Billable

Birth injury to spine and spinal cord

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 P11.5 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of birth injury to spine and spinal cord.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Birth injury to the spine and spinal cord refers to damage sustained during the delivery process that affects the spinal column or the spinal cord itself. This can occur due to mechanical forces during labor, such as excessive pulling or pressure on the infant's body, particularly in cases of shoulder dystocia or prolonged labor. Injuries may manifest as fractures of the vertebrae, spinal cord contusions, or transections, leading to varying degrees of neurological impairment. The clinical presentation can include motor deficits, sensory loss, or autonomic dysfunction, depending on the severity and location of the injury. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for optimizing outcomes, and management may involve a multidisciplinary approach including neonatologists, pediatric neurologists, and rehabilitation specialists. Other birth injuries to the central nervous system, such as intracranial hemorrhages or cerebral palsy, may also be associated with spinal injuries, necessitating comprehensive evaluation and care.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of injuries
  • Need for detailed documentation of delivery circumstances
  • Differentiation from other neurological injuries
  • Potential for co-existing conditions requiring additional coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the delivery process
  • Failure to capture associated neurological deficits
  • Misclassification of injury severity
  • Omission of co-existing conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neonatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on delivery complications, neurological assessments, and imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants presenting with motor deficits post-delivery, cases of shoulder dystocia, or prolonged labor.

Billing Considerations

Ensure comprehensive documentation of neurological evaluations and any interventions performed.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Follow-up notes on developmental milestones, neurological assessments, and rehabilitation progress.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Pediatric evaluations of infants with suspected spinal injuries or related neurological conditions.

Billing Considerations

Consider the long-term implications of spinal injuries on growth and development.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use P11.5 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding perinatal conditions, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury's nature, severity, and any associated conditions
  • Specific criteria for coding birth injuries must be met, including clear evidence of the injury's occurrence during the delivery process

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use P11.5 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99291CPT Code

Critical care, evaluation and management of the neonate

Clinical Scenario

Used when managing a newborn with significant birth injury requiring intensive monitoring.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the infant's condition, interventions, and response to treatment.

Specialty Considerations

Neonatologists must document the rationale for critical care services provided.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of birth injuries, enhancing the ability to capture the complexity and nuances of neonatal conditions, including spinal injuries. This specificity aids in better tracking of outcomes and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of birth injuries, enhancing the ability to capture the complexity and nuances of neonatal conditions, including spinal injuries. This specificity aids in better tracking of outcomes and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and to ensure compliance with payer requirements.

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 causes of birth injury to the spine?

Common causes include mechanical forces during delivery, such as excessive pulling, shoulder dystocia, or prolonged labor. Understanding these factors is crucial for accurate coding and management.