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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM47.894

M47.894

Billable

Other spondylosis, thoracic region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M47.894 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other spondylosis, thoracic region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

M47.894 refers to other forms of spondylosis affecting the thoracic region of the spine, which encompasses degenerative changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. Spondylosis is characterized by the degeneration of the spinal column, leading to pain, stiffness, and potential neurological deficits. In the thoracic region, these changes can result from age-related wear and tear, trauma, or underlying inflammatory conditions. Patients may present with symptoms such as localized back pain, radiating pain, or neurological symptoms due to spinal stenosis or nerve root compression. The thoracic spine is less mobile than the cervical or lumbar regions, which can influence the presentation and management of spondylosis. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI to assess the extent of degeneration and rule out other conditions like ankylosing spondylitis or inflammatory spine diseases. Treatment may include physical therapy, pain management, and in severe cases, surgical intervention. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the patient's condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between various types of spondylosis and related conditions.
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and imaging findings.
  • Potential overlap with other codes for inflammatory spine conditions.
  • Variability in clinical presentation and treatment approaches.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings.
  • Failure to specify the exact location of symptoms.
  • Misclassification of spondylosis types.
  • Lack of imaging studies to support diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic thoracic pain, postural issues, or neurological symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the severity and impact of symptoms on daily activities.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of inflammatory markers and history of autoimmune conditions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with suspected ankylosing spondylitis or other inflammatory spine diseases.

Billing Considerations

Document any systemic symptoms or family history of rheumatological disorders.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M47.894 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding spondylosis, ensuring accurate documentation of the thoracic region's involvement
  • Include any relevant symptoms and diagnostic tests performed

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M47.894 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

72040CPT Code

X-ray of the thoracic spine

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate thoracic spondylosis in patients with back pain.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the X-ray and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should correlate imaging findings with clinical symptoms.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spondylosis, improving the ability to capture the nuances of thoracic spine conditions. This specificity aids in better patient management and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spondylosis, improving the ability to capture the nuances of thoracic spine conditions. This specificity aids in better patient management and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 thoracic spondylosis?

Common symptoms include localized back pain, stiffness, and potential neurological symptoms such as numbness or weakness in the extremities due to nerve compression.

How is thoracic spondylosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI, and exclusion of other conditions like ankylosing spondylitis.