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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS12.54

S12.54

Billable

Type III traumatic spondylolisthesis of sixth cervical vertebra

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S12.54 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of type iii traumatic spondylolisthesis of sixth cervical vertebra.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Type III traumatic spondylolisthesis of the sixth cervical vertebra refers to a specific type of spinal injury characterized by the anterior displacement of the sixth cervical vertebra (C6) due to trauma. This condition typically arises from high-energy impacts, such as motor vehicle accidents, falls from significant heights, or sports-related injuries. The Type III classification indicates a complete disruption of the posterior elements of the vertebra, leading to instability and potential neurological compromise. Patients may present with neck pain, limited range of motion, and neurological symptoms such as weakness or numbness in the upper extremities, depending on the severity of the injury and any associated spinal cord involvement. Diagnosis is confirmed through imaging studies, including X-rays, CT scans, or MRI, which reveal the degree of displacement and any associated injuries to surrounding structures. Management often involves surgical intervention to stabilize the spine, relieve pressure on the spinal cord, and restore alignment, followed by rehabilitation to regain function and mobility.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Specificity of the injury type and location
  • Need for detailed documentation of trauma mechanism
  • Potential for associated neurological deficits
  • Variability in treatment approaches

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the type of spondylolisthesis
  • Misclassification of the injury type
  • Lack of imaging documentation to support the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute neck pain following trauma, with or without neurological symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all imaging results are documented and correlate with the clinical findings to support the diagnosis.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports must detail the surgical approach, findings, and any fixation or stabilization techniques used.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for unstable cervical spine injuries, including decompression and fusion procedures.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding of surgical procedures must align with the diagnosis of spondylolisthesis and any associated conditions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S12.54 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code reflects the specific type of injury and its location
  • Document the mechanism of injury and any associated conditions thoroughly

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S12.54 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22551CPT Code

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of cervical spondylolisthesis requiring surgical intervention.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report must detail the procedure and rationale for surgery.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure alignment of diagnosis with surgical procedure for accurate billing.

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, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding cervical spine injuries, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding cervical spine injuries, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans.

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 Type I, II, and III spondylolisthesis?

Type I is a mild displacement, Type II involves a fracture of the pars interarticularis, and Type III indicates complete disruption of the posterior elements, leading to significant instability.