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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS13.18

S13.18

Billable

Subluxation and dislocation of C7/T1 cervical vertebrae

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S13.18 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of subluxation and dislocation of c7/t1 cervical vertebrae.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Subluxation and dislocation of the C7/T1 cervical vertebrae refers to a condition where there is a partial or complete displacement of the cervical vertebrae at the junction of the cervical spine and the thoracic spine. This injury can occur due to trauma, such as falls, motor vehicle accidents, or sports injuries, leading to significant pain, neurological deficits, and potential complications if not treated promptly. The C7/T1 region is particularly vulnerable due to its anatomical position and the biomechanical forces exerted during injury. Patients may present with neck pain, restricted range of motion, and symptoms of nerve root compression, such as tingling or weakness in the upper extremities. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination and imaging studies, including X-rays or MRI, to assess the extent of the injury and rule out associated conditions. Management may include conservative treatment, such as immobilization and physical therapy, or surgical intervention in cases of severe dislocation or neurological compromise.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and severity of symptoms
  • Need for precise documentation of mechanism of injury
  • Differentiation between subluxation and complete dislocation
  • Potential for associated neurological injuries

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify whether the injury is a subluxation or dislocation
  • Lack of imaging documentation to support the diagnosis
  • Inconsistent coding of associated neurological symptoms

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma patients presenting with neck pain after a fall or motor vehicle accident.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of potential spinal cord injury and the need for immediate imaging.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients requiring surgical intervention for severe dislocation or neurological compromise.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly outline the rationale for surgical intervention and any pre-existing conditions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S13.18 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding injuries, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury type, location, and mechanism

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S13.18 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

63075CPT Code

Laminectomy, cervical, single segment

Clinical Scenario

Performed for decompression of spinal cord due to dislocation.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report must detail the procedure and indication.

Specialty Considerations

Neurosurgery or orthopedic surgery documentation must be thorough.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of cervical injuries, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of cervical injuries, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of cervical injuries, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management.

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 misaligned but still in contact, while dislocation indicates a complete separation of the joint surfaces.