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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS13.11

S13.11

Billable

Subluxation and dislocation of C0/C1 cervical vertebrae

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S13.11 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of subluxation and dislocation of c0/c1 cervical vertebrae.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Subluxation and dislocation of the C0/C1 cervical vertebrae refers to the misalignment or displacement of the first cervical vertebra (atlas) relative to the occipital bone (C0). This condition can occur due to trauma, such as whiplash injuries from motor vehicle accidents, falls, or sports-related injuries. The C0/C1 joint is crucial for head movement and stability, and its dislocation can lead to significant neurological deficits if the spinal cord is compromised. Symptoms may include neck pain, limited range of motion, headaches, and neurological signs such as numbness or weakness in the extremities. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, imaging studies like X-rays or MRI to assess the alignment and any associated injuries. Management may include conservative treatment such as immobilization, physical therapy, or surgical intervention in severe cases to restore alignment and prevent further complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and symptoms
  • Need for precise imaging interpretation
  • Potential for associated neurological injuries
  • Differentiation from other cervical spine injuries

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the level of dislocation
  • Misinterpretation of imaging results
  • Lack of supporting clinical findings

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include a detailed account of the injury mechanism, clinical findings, and any imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma cases from vehicle accidents, falls, or sports injuries leading to acute neck pain and neurological symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant imaging studies are documented and that the mechanism of injury is clearly stated to support the diagnosis.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for severe dislocation or instability requiring fusion or stabilization.

Billing Considerations

Document any pre-existing conditions that may affect surgical outcomes and coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S13.11 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code reflects the specific nature of the injury and any associated conditions
  • Document the mechanism of injury and any relevant external cause codes

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S13.11 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

63075CPT Code

Laminectomy, cervical

Clinical Scenario

Performed for decompression of the spinal cord due to dislocation.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indication.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the surgical necessity is well-documented.

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 difference between subluxation and dislocation?

Subluxation refers to a partial dislocation where the joint surfaces are not completely separated, while dislocation indicates a complete separation of the joint surfaces.