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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS12.100

S12.100

Billable

Unspecified displaced fracture of second cervical vertebra

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S12.100 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified displaced fracture of second cervical vertebra.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The S12.100 code refers to an unspecified displaced fracture of the second cervical vertebra (C2), commonly known as the axis. This type of fracture can occur due to high-energy trauma such as motor vehicle accidents, falls from heights, or sports injuries. The C2 vertebra is critical for the rotation of the head and supports the skull. Displacement of the fracture can lead to instability and potential spinal cord injury, resulting in neurological deficits. Clinical presentation may include neck pain, limited range of motion, and neurological symptoms such as weakness or numbness in the extremities. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, including X-rays, CT scans, or MRI, to assess the fracture's nature and any associated injuries. Management may range from conservative treatment, such as immobilization with a cervical collar, to surgical intervention for stabilization, depending on the fracture's severity and associated complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in fracture presentation and associated injuries
  • Need for precise documentation of displacement and stability
  • Differentiation from other cervical spine injuries
  • Potential for neurological involvement requiring detailed assessment

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture specifics
  • Failure to document associated neurological symptoms
  • Misclassification of fracture type or location
  • Inconsistent coding of treatment modalities

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include mechanism of injury, initial assessment findings, and any neurological evaluations performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma patients presenting with neck pain after a fall or motor vehicle accident.

Billing Considerations

Ensure thorough documentation of neurological status and imaging results to support coding.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports must detail the surgical approach, findings, and any fixation devices used.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients requiring surgical stabilization of a C2 fracture due to instability or neurological compromise.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding requires clear documentation of the surgical procedure and any complications encountered.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S12.100 When
  • Follow the ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding fractures, ensuring specificity in documentation regarding the type of fracture and any associated injuries
  • Use additional codes for any neurological deficits or complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S12.100 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22551CPT Code

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for stabilization of a C2 fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure, indications, and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the surgical approach and any complications are well documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding fractures, including those of the cervical vertebrae. This has improved the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding fractures, including those of the cervical vertebrae. This has improved the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 significance of specifying the type of fracture?

Specifying the type of fracture is crucial for accurate coding, as it impacts treatment decisions, potential complications, and reimbursement.