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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM47.019

M47.019

Billable

Anterior spinal artery compression syndromes, site unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M47.019 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of anterior spinal artery compression syndromes, site unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Anterior spinal artery compression syndromes refer to a group of conditions characterized by the compression of the anterior spinal artery, which can lead to ischemia and neurological deficits. This syndrome is often associated with various spondylopathies, including ankylosing spondylitis, spinal stenosis, and other inflammatory spine conditions. In ankylosing spondylitis, chronic inflammation can lead to the fusion of vertebrae, resulting in a rigid spine and potential compression of the spinal cord or arteries. Spinal stenosis, which involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, can also contribute to anterior spinal artery compression, particularly in the cervical or lumbar regions. Symptoms may include pain, weakness, and sensory deficits, depending on the severity and location of the compression. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans to visualize the spinal structures and assess for any compressive lesions. Treatment may vary from conservative management, including physical therapy and pain management, to surgical interventions aimed at decompressing the affected areas.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Need for precise documentation of anatomical sites
  • Differentiation from other spinal conditions
  • Potential for multiple underlying causes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the site of compression
  • Misclassification of the condition as another spondylopathy
  • Lack of imaging studies to support diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic back pain and neurological deficits requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the surgical site and any decompression performed.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive neurological examinations and imaging studies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with progressive weakness or sensory loss due to spinal cord compression.

Billing Considerations

Document neurological deficits thoroughly to support the diagnosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M47.019 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation and imaging studies
  • The code should be used when the site of compression is not specified, and other codes should be considered if the site can be identified

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M47.019 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

63030CPT Code

Laminectomy, facetectomy, and foraminotomy

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of spinal stenosis with anterior spinal artery compression.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indication for surgery.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should document the specific levels treated.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spinal conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. M47.019 provides a means to capture anterior spinal artery compression syndromes when the site is unspecified, which was less clearly defined in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spinal conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. M47.019 provides a means to capture anterior spinal artery compression syndromes when the site is unspecified, which was less clearly defined in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spinal conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. M47.019 provides a means to capture anterior spinal artery compression syndromes when the site is unspecified, which was less clearly defined in ICD-9.

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 anterior spinal artery compression syndromes?

Common symptoms include back pain, weakness in the limbs, sensory deficits, and bowel or bladder dysfunction, depending on the level of spinal involvement.

How is anterior spinal artery compression diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, neurological examination, and imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans to visualize the spinal structures.