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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM48.01

M48.01

Billable

Spinal stenosis, occipito-atlanto-axial region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M48.01 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of spinal stenosis, occipito-atlanto-axial region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Spinal stenosis in the occipito-atlanto-axial region refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal at the junction of the occipital bone and the first two cervical vertebrae (atlas and axis). This condition can lead to compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots, resulting in neurological deficits. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and in severe cases, myelopathy characterized by weakness, numbness, or coordination issues in the upper and lower extremities. The condition can arise from various etiologies, including degenerative changes, congenital anomalies, trauma, or inflammatory diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis. Accurate diagnosis often involves imaging studies like MRI or CT scans to assess the degree of stenosis and its impact on surrounding structures. Treatment options may range from conservative management, such as physical therapy and pain management, to surgical interventions aimed at decompressing the spinal canal.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Need for precise imaging documentation
  • Differentiation from other types of spinal stenosis
  • Potential overlap with inflammatory spine conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to document imaging results
  • Misclassification of stenosis severity
  • Lack of clear treatment plans

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for severe stenosis causing myelopathy.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of neurological assessments and surgical indications.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive neurological evaluations, imaging interpretations, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of patients with neurological deficits due to spinal stenosis.

Billing Considerations

Document all neurological findings and correlate them with imaging results.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M48.01 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's severity and associated symptoms
  • Include any relevant imaging studies and treatment plans

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M48.01 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

63075CPT Code

Laminectomy, cervical

Clinical Scenario

Performed for decompression of spinal stenosis.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic or neurosurgical documentation must clearly outline the need for surgery.

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 plans. M48.01 provides a clear distinction for spinal stenosis in a specific anatomical region, which aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

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 plans. M48.01 provides a clear distinction for spinal stenosis in a specific anatomical region, which aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spinal conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. M48.01 provides a clear distinction for spinal stenosis in a specific anatomical region, which aids in 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 are the common symptoms of spinal stenosis in the occipito-atlanto-axial region?

Common symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and neurological deficits such as weakness or numbness in the arms and legs.