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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS12.45

S12.45

Billable

Other traumatic spondylolisthesis of fifth cervical vertebra

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S12.45 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other traumatic spondylolisthesis of fifth cervical vertebra.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S12.45 refers to a specific type of spinal injury characterized by the displacement of the fifth cervical vertebra (C5) due to trauma. Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward over another, which can lead to spinal instability, nerve compression, and various neurological symptoms. This condition can arise from high-impact injuries such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, or sports-related trauma. Patients may present with neck pain, limited range of motion, and neurological deficits depending on the severity of the displacement. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to assess the degree of slippage and any associated injuries to the spinal cord or surrounding structures. Management may include conservative treatment like physical therapy and pain management, or surgical intervention in cases of significant instability or neurological compromise. Understanding the mechanisms of injury and the potential complications is crucial for effective treatment and coding.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between traumatic and non-traumatic spondylolisthesis
  • Identifying the specific vertebra involved
  • Understanding associated neurological symptoms
  • Documenting the mechanism of injury accurately

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the degree of vertebral slippage
  • Misclassification of the type of spondylolisthesis
  • Lack of supporting imaging documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Complete documentation of the patient's presentation, mechanism of injury, 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 that the mechanism of injury is clearly described.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports including the surgical approach, findings, and any corrective measures taken.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for unstable spondylolisthesis with decompression of neural structures.

Billing Considerations

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

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S12.45 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury's cause, location, and any associated conditions
  • Use external cause codes to provide context for the injury

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S12.45 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

63075CPT Code

Laminectomy, cervical

Clinical Scenario

Performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord due to spondylolisthesis.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the surgical approach and any complications are documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like spondylolisthesis, improving the granularity of data for treatment outcomes and research.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like spondylolisthesis, improving the granularity of data for treatment outcomes and research.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like spondylolisthesis, improving the granularity of data for treatment outcomes and research.

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 S12.45?

S12.45 is primarily caused by traumatic events such as falls, motor vehicle accidents, or sports injuries that lead to the displacement of the fifth cervical vertebra.

How is S12.45 diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through imaging studies like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs that reveal the degree of vertebral slippage and any associated injuries.

What are the treatment options for S12.45?

Treatment options may include conservative management with physical therapy and pain relief or surgical intervention if there is significant instability or neurological compromise.