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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS12.131

S12.131

Billable

Unspecified traumatic nondisplaced spondylolisthesis of second cervical vertebra

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S12.131 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified traumatic nondisplaced spondylolisthesis of second cervical vertebra.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S12.131 refers to a specific type of spinal injury characterized by the anterior displacement of the second cervical vertebra (C2) relative to the first cervical vertebra (C1) without any fracture or displacement of the vertebra itself. This condition often results from trauma, such as a fall, motor vehicle accident, or sports injury, where the neck experiences sudden force or impact. The nondisplaced nature of the spondylolisthesis indicates that while the vertebra has shifted, it has not fractured or moved out of alignment in a way that would require surgical intervention. Clinically, patients may present with neck pain, limited range of motion, and neurological symptoms depending on the severity of the injury and any associated spinal cord involvement. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to assess the alignment of the cervical spine and rule out other injuries. Management may include conservative treatment options like physical therapy, pain management, and cervical immobilization, with surgical options considered in cases of significant instability or neurological compromise.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of specific cervical vertebra anatomy
  • Differentiation from other types of spondylolisthesis
  • Need for precise documentation of trauma mechanism
  • Potential for associated neurological symptoms

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the nondisplaced nature of the injury
  • Misclassification of the injury type (e.g., displaced vs. nondisplaced)
  • Lack of imaging documentation to support the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include a detailed account of the injury mechanism, patient presentation, and initial assessment findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

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

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports should detail the surgical approach, findings, and any interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical management of cervical spine injuries with potential instability.

Billing Considerations

Document any pre-existing conditions that may affect surgical outcomes.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S12.131 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code reflects the specific nature of the injury and is supported by clinical documentation
  • The code should be used in conjunction with external cause codes to provide context for the injury

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S12.131 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

63015CPT Code

Laminectomy, cervical, for decompression of spinal cord

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases where surgical intervention is necessary due to neurological compromise.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report must detail the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the diagnosis supports the need 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 injuries, including nondisplaced spondylolisthesis, which aids in better tracking of injury patterns and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including nondisplaced spondylolisthesis, which aids in better tracking of injury patterns and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including nondisplaced spondylolisthesis, which aids in better tracking of injury patterns and 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 is the difference between displaced and nondisplaced spondylolisthesis?

Displaced spondylolisthesis involves a fracture or significant misalignment of the vertebra, while nondisplaced indicates that the vertebra has shifted but remains intact and properly aligned.