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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesSpinal Cord Compression

Spinal Cord Compression

ICD-10 Coding for Spinal Cord Compression(G95.2, M50.0, C79.51)

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

Diagnosis Overview

What is Spinal Cord Compression?
Essential facts and insights about Spinal Cord Compression

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Neurological deficits such as weakness, numbness, or paralysis
  • Pain in the back or neck that may radiate to limbs
  • Bowel or bladder dysfunction

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Patient history including cancer diagnosis and treatment history
  • Neurological assessment findings
  • Imaging results (MRI, CT) indicating compression

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Follow guidelines for coding secondary malignancies.
  • Common errors include misclassifying the type of compression.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Traumatic spinal cord injury
  • Degenerative spine conditions

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
G95.20
Spinal cord compression, unspecified
C79.51
Secondary malignant neoplasm of spinal cord
Ancillary Codes
G99.2
G95.2
C79.51
for compression due to metastasis.
Differential Codes
M50.0
M50.0
when compression is due to cervical disc displacement.
G95.2
G95.2
for non-traumatic, non-disc related compression.

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Oncology

Specialty Applications

  • Oncology patients with metastatic disease
  • Emergency and inpatient settings

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 neurological assessments and imaging results.

Billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding to reflect the underlying malignancy and compression.