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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesNeck Spasm

Neck Spasm

ICD-10 Coding for Neck Spasm(M62.838)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYOrthopedics
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Neck Spasm?
Essential facts and insights about Neck Spasm

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Sudden onset of neck pain and stiffness
  • Muscle tightness or spasms in the neck
  • Limited range of motion in the cervical spine

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Patient history including onset and duration of symptoms
  • Physical examination findings detailing muscle tenderness and range of motion
  • Assessment of any associated neurological symptoms

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Usage guidelines: Use M62.830 for muscle spasms; consider M54.2 for neck pain without spasm.
  • Common errors: Misclassifying neck spasm as a neurological condition.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Cervical radiculopathy (M54.12)
  • Cervical spondylosis (M47.12)

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
M62.830
Muscle spasm of neck
Ancillary Codes
M54.12
Differential Codes
G24.3
M54.2

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Orthopedics

Specialty Applications

  • Adult and pediatric populations experiencing acute or chronic neck pain
  • Orthopedic clinics, physical therapy settings, and emergency departments

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements?

Include detailed patient history, physical exam findings, and treatment plan.

Billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding to reflect the severity and duration of symptoms.