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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM42.05

M42.05

Billable

Juvenile osteochondrosis of spine, thoracolumbar region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M42.05 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of juvenile osteochondrosis of spine, thoracolumbar region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Juvenile osteochondrosis of the spine, specifically in the thoracolumbar region, is a condition characterized by the degeneration of the vertebral endplates and adjacent disc material in growing children and adolescents. This condition typically arises during periods of rapid growth and can lead to pain, deformity, and functional impairment. The thoracolumbar region, which encompasses the lower thoracic and upper lumbar vertebrae, is particularly susceptible to these changes due to biomechanical stressors. Symptoms may include localized back pain, stiffness, and in some cases, neurological symptoms if nerve roots are affected. The condition can also lead to secondary complications such as scoliosis, kyphosis, or lordosis due to altered spinal mechanics. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI to assess the extent of osteochondrosis and any associated deformities. Treatment may involve conservative management, including physical therapy and pain management, or surgical intervention in severe cases, particularly if spinal fusion is required to correct deformities.

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)
  • Need for imaging studies to confirm diagnosis
  • Differentiation from other spinal conditions

Audit Risk Factors

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

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of back pain in adolescents, assessment of spinal deformities, pre-operative evaluations.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of growth patterns and any surgical interventions planned.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive growth charts, developmental history, and family history of spinal conditions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine check-ups for adolescents with back pain, referrals for orthopedic evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Document any psychosocial factors that may influence treatment and compliance.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M42.05 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the diagnosis, associated conditions, and treatment plans
  • Include specific details about the thoracolumbar region's involvement and any related spinal deformities

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M42.05 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22558CPT Code

Spinal fusion, posterior or posterolateral technique

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases where severe deformity correction is needed due to juvenile osteochondrosis.

Documentation Requirements

Pre-operative assessment, imaging studies, and surgical notes detailing the procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the rationale for surgical intervention.

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. It has also facilitated better tracking of treatment outcomes and associated conditions.

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. It has also facilitated better tracking of treatment outcomes and associated conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. It has also facilitated better tracking of treatment outcomes and associated conditions.

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 localized back pain, stiffness, and potential neurological symptoms if nerve roots are affected. Patients may also exhibit signs of spinal deformities such as scoliosis or kyphosis.