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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS12.250

S12.250

Billable

Other traumatic displaced spondylolisthesis of third cervical vertebra

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S12.250 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other traumatic displaced spondylolisthesis of third cervical vertebra.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S12.250 refers to a specific type of spinal injury characterized by the displacement of the third cervical vertebra (C3) due to trauma. Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward over another, which can lead to spinal instability and potential neurological deficits. This condition is often the result of high-impact trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, or sports injuries. The displacement can cause compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to symptoms such as neck pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, including X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, to assess the degree of displacement and any associated injuries. Management may include conservative treatment such as physical therapy and pain management, or surgical intervention to stabilize the spine and relieve pressure on neural structures. Complications can include chronic pain, neurological deficits, and the potential for further spinal instability if not properly managed.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of specific spinal anatomy and injury mechanisms.
  • Differentiation from other types of cervical spine injuries.
  • Need for precise documentation of trauma mechanism and symptoms.
  • Potential for associated injuries that must be coded appropriately.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Failure to specify the type of spondylolisthesis.
  • Misclassification of the injury severity.
  • Inconsistent coding of associated conditions or injuries.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of the patient's condition upon arrival, including mechanism of injury, neurological status, and initial imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant injuries are documented, and consider the need for immediate imaging to assess for spinal cord involvement.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive operative reports detailing the surgical approach, findings, and any complications encountered during the procedure.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for stabilization of the cervical spine following traumatic displacement.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding of surgical procedures performed in conjunction with the diagnosis of spondylolisthesis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S12.250 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code accurately reflects the clinical scenario and is supported by documentation
  • Use additional codes to capture any associated injuries or complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S12.250 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

63075CPT Code

Laminectomy, cervical, single segment

Clinical Scenario

Performed to relieve spinal cord compression due to spondylolisthesis.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the surgical approach aligns with the diagnosis of spondylolisthesis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spinal injuries, improving the granularity of data for research and treatment outcomes. S12.250 provides a clear distinction for traumatic spondylolisthesis, which aids in clinical management and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spinal injuries, improving the granularity of data for research and treatment outcomes. S12.250 provides a clear distinction for traumatic spondylolisthesis, which aids in clinical management and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 primary cause of spondylolisthesis in this code?

The primary cause is traumatic injury, often resulting from high-impact events such as falls or motor vehicle accidents.