ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM42.18

M42.18

Billable

Adult osteochondrosis of spine, sacral and sacrococcygeal region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M42.18 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of adult osteochondrosis of spine, sacral and sacrococcygeal region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Adult osteochondrosis of the spine, particularly in the sacral and sacrococcygeal regions, is characterized by degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs and vertebrae. This condition typically arises from chronic mechanical stress and age-related degeneration, leading to pain, stiffness, and potential deformities such as scoliosis, kyphosis, or lordosis. Patients may experience varying degrees of discomfort, which can impact mobility and quality of life. The sacral and sacrococcygeal regions are particularly susceptible due to their weight-bearing function and the biomechanical forces exerted during daily activities. Diagnosis often 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, or surgical interventions like spinal fusion in severe cases. Understanding the nuances of this condition is crucial for accurate coding and appropriate patient management.

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 such as spondylosis or herniated discs
  • Potential for co-morbid conditions affecting treatment and coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to document imaging results
  • Misclassification of spinal deformities
  • Lack of clear treatment plans or follow-up

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed surgical notes, imaging results, and pre/post-operative assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing spinal fusion due to severe osteochondrosis with deformities.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the specific spinal levels involved and any associated complications.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessments of functional status and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients receiving rehabilitation for pain management and mobility improvement.

Billing Considerations

Document the impact of osteochondrosis on daily activities and response to therapy.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M42.18 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding osteochondrosis, ensuring accurate documentation of the specific spinal regions affected
  • Include any relevant co
  • morbidities and treatment modalities

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M42.18 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22612CPT Code

Spinal fusion, lumbar

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of severe osteochondrosis requiring stabilization.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indication.

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 osteochondrosis, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. M42.18 provides granularity that was not available in ICD-9, facilitating better patient management and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteochondrosis, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. M42.18 provides granularity that was not available in ICD-9, facilitating better patient management and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteochondrosis, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. M42.18 provides granularity that was not available in ICD-9, facilitating better patient management 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 is the primary cause of adult osteochondrosis?

Adult osteochondrosis is primarily caused by age-related degeneration, mechanical stress on the spine, and genetic factors that predispose individuals to disc and vertebral changes.