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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM42.11

M42.11

Billable

Adult osteochondrosis of spine, occipito-atlanto-axial region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M42.11 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of adult osteochondrosis of spine, occipito-atlanto-axial region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Adult osteochondrosis of the spine, particularly in the occipito-atlanto-axial region, refers to a degenerative condition affecting the vertebrae and intervertebral discs in this specific area of the cervical spine. This condition is characterized by the degeneration of cartilage and bone, leading to pain, stiffness, and potential neurological deficits due to compression of surrounding structures. Patients may present with symptoms such as neck pain, reduced range of motion, and headaches. The occipito-atlanto-axial region is crucial for head movement and stability, and degeneration here can significantly impact quality of life. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI to assess the extent of degeneration and rule out other conditions. Treatment may include conservative management with physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgical intervention such as spinal fusion to stabilize the affected area and alleviate symptoms.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Specificity of the anatomical location (occipito-atlanto-axial region)
  • Differentiation from other forms of osteochondrosis
  • Potential for co-existing spinal deformities (scoliosis, kyphosis)
  • Need for detailed documentation of symptoms and imaging findings

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of symptoms and imaging results
  • Failure to specify the exact location of osteochondrosis
  • Inadequate justification for surgical procedures
  • Misclassification of the condition as a different type of spinal disorder

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed surgical notes, imaging reports, and pre-operative assessments are essential.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic neck pain and limited mobility, requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly outline the rationale for surgery and any co-existing conditions.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Neurological assessments, imaging studies, and detailed patient history are crucial.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with neurological symptoms such as radiculopathy or myelopathy due to spinal degeneration.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should include neurological findings and correlation with imaging results.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M42.11 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, M42
  • 11 should be used when the condition is specifically diagnosed and documented by a healthcare provider
  • It is important to include any relevant imaging findings and symptomatology to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M42.11 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22612CPT Code

Spinal fusion, occipito-atlanto-axial region

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of severe degeneration requiring stabilization.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic documentation must include pre-operative assessments and post-operative follow-up.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like M42.11, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity helps 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 conditions like M42.11, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. This specificity helps 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 associated with M42.11?

Common symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and potential neurological deficits due to nerve compression.

How is M42.11 diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation and imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI that reveal degeneration in the occipito-atlanto-axial region.