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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM46.82

M46.82

Billable

Other specified inflammatory spondylopathies, cervical region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M46.82 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified inflammatory spondylopathies, cervical region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

M46.82 refers to inflammatory spondylopathies that affect the cervical region of the spine, which may not fit into more specific categories such as ankylosing spondylitis or other well-defined inflammatory spine conditions. These conditions can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and potential neurological complications due to inflammation of the vertebrae and surrounding tissues. Inflammatory spondylopathies can be associated with autoimmune diseases, infections, or other inflammatory processes. Symptoms often include neck pain, reduced range of motion, and sometimes neurological symptoms if spinal nerves are affected. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, and laboratory tests to identify underlying inflammatory markers. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention to relieve symptoms or address structural issues.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes leading to inflammatory spondylopathies.
  • Need for comprehensive documentation to differentiate from other spondylopathies.
  • Potential overlap with other codes related to ankylosing spondylitis and spinal stenosis.
  • Variability in clinical presentation and diagnostic criteria.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of inflammatory markers.
  • Failure to specify the cervical region in the diagnosis.
  • Misclassification with non-inflammatory spondylopathies.
  • Lack of imaging studies to support the diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of symptoms, physical examination findings, lab results, and imaging studies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic neck pain, stiffness, and inflammatory markers.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the inflammatory nature and any associated autoimmune conditions.

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of spinal alignment, range of motion, and neurological status.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with neck pain and potential neurological symptoms requiring surgical evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Document any structural changes observed in imaging that may contribute to symptoms.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M46.82 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M46
  • 82 should be used when the specific inflammatory spondylopathy does not fit into other defined categories
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis with clinical findings and imaging results

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M46.82 When
  • Exclusion criteria include conditions that are purely mechanical or degenerative in nature

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

72148CPT Code

MRI of the cervical spine

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate inflammatory changes in the cervical spine.

Documentation Requirements

Indication for MRI must be clearly documented.

Specialty Considerations

Rheumatologists may order this to assess disease progression.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of inflammatory spondylopathies, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. M46.82 provides a distinct code for conditions that do not fit into more defined categories, enhancing the granularity of patient data.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of inflammatory spondylopathies, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. M46.82 provides a distinct code for conditions that do not fit into more defined categories, enhancing the granularity of patient data.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 M46.82?

Common symptoms include chronic neck pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and potential neurological symptoms such as numbness or weakness in the arms.