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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM42.0

M42.0

Billable

Juvenile osteochondrosis of spine

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/17/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 M42.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of juvenile osteochondrosis of spine.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Juvenile osteochondrosis of the spine, classified under ICD-10 code M42.0, refers to a group of disorders characterized by the degeneration of the spine's cartilage and bone in children and adolescents. This condition often manifests as pain, stiffness, and deformities in the spine, which can lead to complications such as scoliosis, kyphosis, or lordosis. The etiology is often multifactorial, involving genetic predisposition, mechanical stress, and possibly hormonal influences. The condition typically affects the vertebral bodies and can result in vertebral deformities due to abnormal growth patterns. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI, which can reveal changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. Treatment may include physical therapy, bracing, or surgical intervention, particularly spinal fusion, in severe cases where conservative management fails. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent long-term complications and to promote optimal spinal health in affected individuals.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of symptoms
  • Potential for associated spinal deformities (scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis)
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of imaging studies
  • Differentiation from other spinal disorders

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to document associated spinal deformities
  • Lack of imaging study results in the medical record
  • Inconsistent coding of related conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes, imaging results, and treatment plans must be documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of juvenile osteochondrosis with associated spinal deformities, pre-operative assessments for spinal fusion.

Billing Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure that all relevant imaging and clinical findings are clearly documented to support the diagnosis.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Growth charts, developmental assessments, and family history should be included.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of back pain in adolescents, monitoring of spinal deformities over time.

Billing Considerations

Pediatricians should be aware of the potential for growth-related changes and document any observations of spinal deformities.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M42.0 When
  • According to official coding guidelines, M42
  • 0 should be used when the osteochondrosis is specifically diagnosed and documented
  • It is important to include any associated conditions or complications in the documentation to ensure accurate coding

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M42.0 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22612CPT Code

Spinal fusion, posterior technique

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of severe juvenile osteochondrosis with associated deformities requiring surgical intervention.

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the procedure, indications, and pre-operative assessments.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the rationale for surgery and any pre-existing conditions.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of juvenile osteochondrosis, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better understanding the condition's prevalence and management outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of juvenile osteochondrosis, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better understanding the condition's prevalence and management outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of juvenile osteochondrosis, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better understanding the condition's prevalence and management outcomes.

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 are the common symptoms of juvenile osteochondrosis of the spine?

Common symptoms include back pain, stiffness, and visible spinal deformities such as scoliosis or kyphosis. Patients may also experience discomfort during physical activities.