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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM42.00

M42.00

Billable

Juvenile osteochondrosis of spine, site unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M42.00 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of juvenile osteochondrosis of spine, site unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Juvenile osteochondrosis of the spine refers to a group of disorders characterized by the degeneration of the vertebral growth plates in children and adolescents. This condition can lead to spinal deformities such as scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis. The etiology is often multifactorial, involving genetic predisposition, mechanical stress, and vascular factors. Symptoms may include back pain, limited mobility, and postural abnormalities. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI, and assessment of spinal alignment. Treatment may vary from conservative management, including physical therapy and bracing, to surgical interventions like spinal fusion in severe cases. The unspecified site indicates that the specific vertebral region affected is not documented, which can complicate treatment planning and coding accuracy.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Need for precise documentation of spinal deformities
  • Differentiation from other spinal conditions
  • Potential for multiple affected sites

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the affected spinal region
  • Inconsistent treatment documentation
  • Lack of follow-up notes on patient progress

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Assessment of adolescent patients with back pain and postural abnormalities.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of any spinal deformities and their impact on function.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Growth charts, developmental milestones, and family history of spinal disorders.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of children presenting with back pain or abnormal posture.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of growth patterns and potential impact on treatment options.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M42.00 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's clinical aspects
  • Include any relevant imaging studies and treatment plans

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M42.00 When
  • Exclude conditions that are more specific or unrelated to juvenile osteochondrosis

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22554CPT Code

Spinal fusion, posterior technique

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of severe spinal deformity requiring surgical intervention.

Documentation Requirements

Pre-operative assessments, imaging studies, and surgical notes.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the rationale for surgery and expected outcomes.

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 in pediatric populations.

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 in pediatric populations.

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 in pediatric populations.

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 juvenile osteochondrosis of the spine?

It is a condition characterized by degeneration of the vertebral growth plates in children, leading to potential spinal deformities and pain.

How is this condition diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and assessment of spinal alignment and function.

What are the common treatments for juvenile osteochondrosis?

Treatment may include physical therapy, bracing, and in severe cases, surgical interventions such as spinal fusion.