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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS13.20

S13.20

Billable

Dislocation of unspecified parts of neck

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S13.20 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of dislocation of unspecified parts of neck.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Dislocation of the neck refers to the displacement of cervical vertebrae or associated structures, which can occur due to trauma, falls, or sports injuries. This condition may lead to significant pain, restricted movement, and potential neurological deficits if spinal cord involvement occurs. The neck is a complex anatomical region, and dislocations can vary in severity, often requiring immediate medical attention. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI to assess the extent of the dislocation and any associated injuries. Management may include immobilization, pain management, and in some cases, surgical intervention to realign the vertebrae. Complications can include chronic pain, instability, or neurological impairment, making prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment essential.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of dislocation
  • Need for imaging studies to confirm diagnosis
  • Potential for associated injuries complicating coding
  • Differentiation from other neck injuries such as fractures

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the exact location of the dislocation
  • Misclassification of dislocation severity
  • Inconsistent coding practices across providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation needs include detailed notes on the mechanism of injury, initial assessment findings, and any imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include trauma from motor vehicle accidents, falls, or sports injuries leading to acute neck pain and neurological symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding requires clear documentation of the injury mechanism and any neurological assessments performed.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative and perioperative documentation needs to include surgical notes detailing the procedure performed, indications for surgery, and post-operative care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical management scenarios may involve reduction of dislocated vertebrae or stabilization procedures.

Billing Considerations

Considerations for coding in surgical settings include ensuring that all relevant procedures are linked to the diagnosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S13.20 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code reflects the specific nature of the dislocation and any associated injuries
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis and any treatment provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S13.20 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22551CPT Code

Cervical spine fusion

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases where dislocation requires surgical stabilization.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the procedure is linked to the diagnosis of dislocation.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of neck dislocations, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of neck dislocations, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of neck dislocations, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management.

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 S13.20 and S13.21?

S13.20 is used for unspecified dislocations of the neck, while S13.21 specifies dislocation of a cervical vertebra when the exact vertebra is known.