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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS13.1

S13.1

Billable

Subluxation and dislocation of cervical vertebrae

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S13.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of subluxation and dislocation of cervical vertebrae.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Subluxation and dislocation of cervical vertebrae refers to the partial or complete displacement of the cervical vertebrae, which can occur due to trauma, such as falls, motor vehicle accidents, or sports injuries. This condition can lead to significant neurological deficits if the spinal cord is compromised. Symptoms may include neck pain, limited range of motion, and neurological signs such as weakness or numbness in the upper extremities. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination and imaging studies, including X-rays or MRI, to assess the extent of the injury and any associated spinal cord involvement. Management may range from conservative treatment, such as immobilization and physical therapy, to surgical intervention in cases of severe dislocation or neurological compromise. Complications can include chronic pain, instability, and persistent neurological deficits, making early and accurate diagnosis and treatment crucial.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and severity of injury
  • Need for precise documentation of neurological status
  • Differentiation between subluxation and complete dislocation
  • Potential for associated injuries requiring additional coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to document neurological assessments
  • Incorrect coding of associated injuries
  • Misinterpretation of imaging results

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include a detailed account of the mechanism of injury, neurological examination findings, and imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma cases presenting with neck pain after a fall or motor vehicle accident.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all neurological deficits are documented to support the severity of the injury.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for cervical dislocation with spinal cord compression.

Billing Considerations

Document the rationale for surgical intervention and any preoperative imaging findings.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S13.1 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code reflects the specific nature of the injury and any associated complications
  • Use additional codes to capture any neurological deficits or associated injuries

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S13.1 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 of cervical dislocation with spinal cord compression.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the surgical approach and findings are clearly documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

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

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

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

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 subluxation and dislocation?

Subluxation refers to a partial dislocation where the joint surfaces are misaligned but still in contact, while dislocation is a complete separation of the joint surfaces.