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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS12.23

S12.23

Billable

Unspecified traumatic spondylolisthesis of third cervical vertebra

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S12.23 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified traumatic spondylolisthesis of third cervical vertebra.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Unspecified traumatic spondylolisthesis of the third cervical vertebra (C3) refers to a condition where there is a displacement of the C3 vertebra due to trauma, resulting in instability of the cervical spine. This condition can arise from various mechanisms of injury, including motor vehicle accidents, falls, or sports injuries. The displacement may lead to neurological deficits, pain, and restricted mobility. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to assess the degree of displacement and any associated injuries to the spinal cord or surrounding structures. Management may include conservative treatment such as immobilization, physical therapy, or surgical intervention in cases of significant instability or neurological compromise. Complications can include chronic pain, neurological deficits, and the potential for further spinal instability if not properly managed.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of trauma mechanisms
  • Need for precise imaging interpretation
  • Differentiation from other cervical spine injuries
  • Potential for associated neurological injuries

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the degree of spondylolisthesis
  • Lack of imaging reports to support the diagnosis
  • Misclassification of the injury type

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of the mechanism of injury, initial assessment findings, and imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting after a fall or motor vehicle accident with neck pain and neurological symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Timely assessment and documentation of neurological status are critical for accurate coding.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the surgical approach, findings, and any corrective measures taken.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for unstable spondylolisthesis with decompression or fusion.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the surgical procedure aligns with the diagnosis for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S12.23 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring specificity in documentation and adherence to the coding conventions for injuries

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S12.23 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22551CPT Code

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of significant instability or neurological compromise.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure alignment of diagnosis with surgical intervention.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 allows for greater specificity in coding injuries, including traumatic spondylolisthesis, which aids in better tracking of injury patterns and outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 allows for greater specificity in coding injuries, including traumatic spondylolisthesis, which aids in better tracking of injury patterns and outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 allows for greater specificity in coding injuries, including traumatic spondylolisthesis, which aids in better tracking of injury patterns and outcomes.

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 is the primary mechanism of injury for S12.23?

The primary mechanism of injury for S12.23 is typically high-impact trauma, such as from motor vehicle accidents, falls, or sports injuries, leading to displacement of the C3 vertebra.