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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS12.35

S12.35

Billable

Other traumatic spondylolisthesis of fourth cervical vertebra

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S12.35 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other traumatic spondylolisthesis of fourth cervical vertebra.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S12.35 refers to a specific type of spinal injury characterized by the displacement of the fourth cervical vertebra (C4) due to trauma. Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward over another, which can lead to spinal instability and potential neurological deficits. This condition is often the result of high-energy trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents, falls from heights, or sports injuries. Patients may present with neck pain, limited range of motion, and neurological symptoms such as tingling, weakness, or numbness in the upper extremities. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, including 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 physical therapy and pain management, or surgical intervention in cases of significant instability or neurological compromise.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of specific vertebral anatomy
  • Differentiation from other types of spondylolisthesis
  • Need for precise documentation of trauma mechanism
  • Potential for associated neurological injuries

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the degree of vertebral displacement
  • Misclassification of the type of spondylolisthesis
  • Lack of supporting imaging documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of the patient's presentation, mechanism of injury, and initial assessment findings is crucial.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute neck pain following trauma, often requiring imaging to rule out serious injury.

Billing Considerations

Timely documentation of neurological assessments and any interventions performed in the emergency setting.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports must clearly describe the surgical approach, findings, and any corrective measures taken.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for stabilization of the cervical spine in cases of significant spondylolisthesis.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should include pre-operative assessments and post-operative care plans.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S12.35 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury's mechanism, severity, and any associated conditions
  • Use additional codes for any neurological deficits or complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S12.35 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

63075CPT Code

Laminectomy, cervical, for decompression

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases where surgical intervention is necessary to relieve spinal cord compression.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report must detail the procedure performed and the findings.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the surgical indication aligns with the diagnosis of traumatic spondylolisthesis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of cervical spine injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of cervical spine injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection 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 is the primary cause of S12.35?

S12.35 is primarily caused by traumatic events such as falls, motor vehicle accidents, or sports injuries that lead to instability of the cervical spine.