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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM42.02

M42.02

Billable

Juvenile osteochondrosis of spine, cervical region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M42.02 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of juvenile osteochondrosis of spine, cervical region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Juvenile osteochondrosis of the spine, particularly in the cervical region, is a condition characterized by the degeneration of the growth plates in the vertebrae during the developmental years of children and adolescents. This condition can lead to various spinal deformities, including scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis, as the normal growth and alignment of the spine are disrupted. The cervical region is particularly vulnerable due to its mobility and the stress placed on it during growth spurts. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, which can significantly impact a child's daily activities and quality of life. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI, and a thorough assessment of the patient's history. Treatment may vary from conservative management, including physical therapy and pain management, to surgical interventions such as spinal fusion in severe cases where deformities are pronounced or neurological symptoms are present.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of symptoms
  • Need for precise documentation of spinal deformities
  • Differentiation from other spinal conditions
  • Potential for co-existing conditions affecting coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to document associated spinal deformities
  • Misclassification of the condition as a different type of osteochondrosis
  • Lack of clarity in treatment plans and outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Assessment of spinal deformities, pre-operative evaluations for spinal fusion, and post-operative follow-ups.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of the degree of deformity and any neurological symptoms.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history and physical examination, including growth patterns and developmental milestones.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of neck pain in adolescents, referrals for orthopedic evaluation, and monitoring of growth-related changes.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of psychosocial factors affecting the child's quality of life.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M42.02 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the condition is specifically diagnosed
  • Include additional codes for any associated conditions or deformities as necessary

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M42.02 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22612CPT Code

Spinal fusion, cervical

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for severe deformity.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indication.

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 data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of juvenile osteochondrosis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

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?

Common symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and in some cases, visible spinal deformities such as scoliosis or kyphosis.