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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM48.52

M48.52

Billable

Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, cervical region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M48.52 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, cervical region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Collapsed vertebrae in the cervical region can occur due to various underlying conditions, including trauma, malignancy, or degenerative diseases. This condition is characterized by the loss of structural integrity of the vertebra, leading to a decrease in height and potential instability of the cervical spine. It may present with symptoms such as neck pain, neurological deficits, or radiculopathy, depending on the extent of the collapse and any associated spinal cord compression. Conditions such as spondylopathies, including ankylosing spondylitis, can contribute to vertebral collapse due to chronic inflammation and subsequent weakening of the vertebral bodies. Spinal stenosis, which narrows the spinal canal, may also exacerbate symptoms related to a collapsed vertebra. Inflammatory spine conditions can lead to vertebral collapse through mechanisms such as osteitis or osteomyelitis, necessitating careful evaluation and management. Accurate diagnosis often requires imaging studies, including X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, to assess the extent of vertebral collapse and any associated complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between various causes of vertebral collapse.
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of underlying conditions.
  • Potential for multiple co-existing spinal conditions.
  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the cause of vertebral collapse.
  • Failure to document associated neurological symptoms.
  • Lack of imaging reports to support the diagnosis.
  • Misclassification of the vertebral region affected.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed imaging reports, clinical notes on physical examination, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with neck pain and neurological symptoms following trauma or chronic inflammatory conditions.

Billing Considerations

Ensure thorough documentation of any surgical interventions or conservative management strategies.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Neurological assessments, imaging studies, and detailed patient history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with radiculopathy or myelopathy due to cervical vertebral collapse.

Billing Considerations

Document neurological deficits clearly to support the diagnosis and any associated procedures.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M48.52 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the cause of the vertebral collapse
  • Include any relevant co
  • existing conditions and specify the cervical region affected
  • Ensure that the diagnosis is supported by imaging findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M48.52 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

63075CPT Code

Laminectomy, cervical, for decompression of spinal cord

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases where vertebral collapse leads to spinal cord compression.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic or neurosurgical documentation must clearly outline the need 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 conditions like collapsed vertebrae, improving the granularity of data for research and treatment outcomes. M48.52 provides a distinct code for cervical vertebral collapse, 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 conditions like collapsed vertebrae, improving the granularity of data for research and treatment outcomes. M48.52 provides a distinct code for cervical vertebral collapse, which was less clearly defined in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like collapsed vertebrae, improving the granularity of data for research and treatment outcomes. M48.52 provides a distinct code for cervical vertebral collapse, 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 imaging is required to support the diagnosis of M48.52?

Imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans are essential to confirm the diagnosis of a collapsed vertebra and assess any associated complications.