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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS12.65

S12.65

Billable

Other traumatic spondylolisthesis of seventh cervical vertebra

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S12.65 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other traumatic spondylolisthesis of seventh cervical vertebra.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S12.65 refers to a specific type of spinal injury characterized by the displacement of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) due to trauma. Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward over another, which can lead to spinal instability, nerve compression, and pain. This condition can arise from various traumatic events, including falls, motor vehicle accidents, or sports injuries. The mechanism of injury often involves sudden impact or excessive force applied to the cervical spine, resulting in fractures or ligamentous injuries that compromise the stability of the vertebrae. Clinically, patients may present with neck pain, limited range of motion, neurological deficits, or radicular symptoms depending on the severity of the displacement and any associated injuries. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to assess the alignment of the cervical spine and identify any neurological compromise. Management may include conservative treatment with physical therapy and pain management or surgical intervention in cases of significant instability or neurological involvement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of specific spinal anatomy and injury mechanisms
  • Differentiation from other types of spondylolisthesis
  • Need for precise documentation of trauma details
  • Potential for associated neurological injuries

Audit Risk Factors

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

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Complete documentation of the patient's trauma history, 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 correlate with the diagnosis.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for severe spondylolisthesis with neurological deficits.

Billing Considerations

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

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S12.65 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the injury is confirmed as traumatic and specifically involves the seventh cervical vertebra

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S12.65 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 severe spondylolisthesis requiring surgical intervention.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indication for surgery.

Specialty Considerations

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

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of traumatic injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes for conditions like spondylolisthesis.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of traumatic injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes for conditions like spondylolisthesis.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes for conditions like spondylolisthesis.

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 S12.65?

S12.65 is primarily caused by traumatic events such as falls, motor vehicle accidents, or sports injuries that lead to the displacement of the seventh cervical vertebra.