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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS12.590

S12.590

Billable

Other displaced fracture of sixth cervical vertebra

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S12.590 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other displaced fracture of sixth cervical vertebra.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The S12.590 code refers to a specific type of injury characterized by a displaced fracture of the sixth cervical vertebra (C6). This injury typically occurs due to trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, or sports injuries, where significant force is applied to the cervical spine. Displaced fractures can lead to instability in the cervical spine and may compromise the spinal cord or nerve roots, resulting in neurological deficits. Clinical presentation often includes neck pain, limited range of motion, and potential neurological symptoms such as weakness or numbness in the upper extremities. Diagnosis is confirmed through imaging studies, primarily X-rays, CT scans, or MRI, which help assess the fracture's displacement and any associated soft tissue injuries. Management may involve conservative treatment, such as immobilization with a cervical collar, or surgical intervention to stabilize the spine and decompress neural structures if indicated. Complications can include chronic pain, neurological impairment, or the development of post-traumatic arthritis.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of injury
  • Need for precise documentation of fracture type and displacement
  • Potential for associated neurological injuries requiring additional codes
  • Differentiation from similar cervical spine injuries

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture specifics
  • Failure to capture associated neurological deficits
  • Misclassification of fracture type (displaced vs. non-displaced)
  • Inconsistent coding of related injuries or conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Emergency department notes must include detailed descriptions of the mechanism of injury, initial assessment findings, and imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute neck pain following trauma, requiring imaging and potential stabilization.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation captures the urgency of the injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports should detail the surgical approach, findings, and any fixation devices used.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for stabilization of a displaced C6 fracture with or without decompression.

Billing Considerations

Document any intraoperative findings that may affect coding, such as additional injuries or complications.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S12.590 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring specificity in documentation regarding the fracture's displacement and any associated injuries
  • Use additional codes for complications or related conditions as necessary

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S12.590 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22551CPT Code

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases where surgical intervention is required for a displaced C6 fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report must detail the procedure performed, indications, and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure alignment with surgical coding guidelines and proper linkage to the diagnosis.

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. S12.590 provides a clear distinction for displaced fractures, which is crucial for treatment planning and outcomes tracking.

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. S12.590 provides a clear distinction for displaced fractures, which is crucial for treatment planning and outcomes tracking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S12.590 provides a clear distinction for displaced fractures, which is crucial for treatment planning and outcomes tracking.

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 difference between S12.590 and S12.591?

S12.590 is used for displaced fractures of the sixth cervical vertebra, while S12.591 is for non-displaced fractures. Accurate documentation of the fracture type is essential for correct coding.