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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS12.64

S12.64

Billable

Type III traumatic spondylolisthesis of seventh cervical vertebra

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S12.64 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of type iii traumatic spondylolisthesis of seventh cervical vertebra.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Type III traumatic spondylolisthesis of the seventh cervical vertebra refers to a specific type of spinal injury characterized by the anterior displacement of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) relative to the sixth cervical vertebra (C6) due to trauma. This condition typically arises from high-energy impacts, such as those experienced in 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, which may involve fractures of the vertebral body and/or the pedicles. Clinically, patients may present with neck pain, neurological deficits, and signs of spinal cord compression. Diagnostic imaging, particularly MRI and CT scans, is essential for assessing the extent of the injury and planning appropriate management. Treatment may range from conservative management with immobilization to surgical intervention, depending on the severity of the displacement and associated neurological symptoms.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Specificity of the injury type (Type III)
  • Location of the injury (seventh cervical vertebra)
  • 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

Acute care documentation must include a thorough assessment of the patient's neurological status, mechanism of injury, and imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the mechanism of injury is clearly documented to support the diagnosis and coding.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports must detail the surgical approach, findings, and any complications encountered during the procedure.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for decompression and stabilization of the cervical spine following traumatic spondylolisthesis.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding requires clear documentation of the surgical procedure performed and any associated diagnoses.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S12.64 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code reflects the specific type of injury and its location
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis, including the mechanism of injury and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S12.64 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 for spinal cord decompression due to spondylolisthesis.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report must detail the procedure performed and any findings.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the procedure is linked to 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 injuries such as traumatic spondylolisthesis, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding injuries such as traumatic spondylolisthesis, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and compliance.

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 characterized by a fracture of the pars interarticularis, Type II involves a defect in the pars interarticularis, and Type III indicates complete disruption of the posterior elements, often leading to instability.