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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS12.530

S12.530

Billable

Unspecified traumatic displaced spondylolisthesis of sixth cervical vertebra

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S12.530 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified traumatic displaced spondylolisthesis of sixth cervical vertebra.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Spondylolisthesis refers to the displacement of one vertebra over another, which can occur due to trauma, degeneration, or congenital factors. In the case of S12.530, the injury is specifically related to the sixth cervical vertebra (C6) and is classified as traumatic and displaced. This condition often arises from high-impact injuries such as motor vehicle accidents, falls from heights, or sports-related injuries. The displacement can lead to spinal instability, nerve compression, and significant pain. Clinically, patients may present with neck pain, radiculopathy, or neurological deficits depending on the severity of the displacement and any associated injuries to the spinal cord or nerve roots. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to assess the degree of displacement and any potential complications. Management may range from conservative treatment, including physical therapy and pain management, to surgical intervention in cases of severe displacement or neurological compromise.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of injury
  • Need for precise documentation of trauma mechanism
  • Differentiation from other cervical spine injuries
  • Potential for associated neurological deficits

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the degree of displacement
  • Misclassification of the injury type (traumatic vs. degenerative)
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include a detailed account of the mechanism of injury, initial assessment findings, and any immediate interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with neck pain after a fall or motor vehicle accident, requiring imaging and stabilization.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all neurological assessments are documented to support the diagnosis and any potential surgical interventions.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports must detail the surgical approach, findings, and any corrective measures taken to address the spondylolisthesis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical management of displaced spondylolisthesis following trauma, including decompression and stabilization procedures.

Billing Considerations

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

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S12.530 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code accurately reflects the clinical scenario and that all relevant documentation supports the diagnosis
  • Pay attention to the specificity of the injury and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S12.530 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

63075CPT Code

Laminectomy, cervical, for decompression of spinal cord

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases where surgical intervention is required due to neurological compromise from spondylolisthesis.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report must detail the procedure, indications, and findings.

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 greater specificity in coding cervical spine injuries, including spondylolisthesis. This has improved the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes, but also requires coders to be more diligent in documentation and coding practices.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding cervical spine injuries, including spondylolisthesis. This has improved the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes, but also requires coders to be more diligent in documentation and coding practices.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes, but also requires coders to be more diligent in documentation and coding practices.

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 S12.530 and S12.531?

S12.530 is used for unspecified traumatic displaced spondylolisthesis without any documented neurological deficits, while S12.531 is specifically for cases where neurological deficits are present.