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M62.838
ICD-10-CM
Neck Spasm

Find information on neck spasm diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (M54.2), muscle spasm treatment, cervical dystonia, and acute neck pain. Learn about proper medical coding for neck spasms, torticollis, and related symptoms like stiff neck and limited range of motion. Explore resources for healthcare professionals on diagnosing and managing neck spasms, including differential diagnosis and treatment options. This resource provides valuable insights into neck spasm for physicians, coders, and other healthcare providers.

Also known as

Cervical Muscle Spasm
Neck Muscle Cramp

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Involuntary contraction of neck muscles causing pain and restricted movement.
  • Clinical Signs : Stiff neck, limited range of motion, pain, headache, muscle tenderness.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, physiotherapy, pain clinics, chiropractic, orthopedics.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC M62.838 Coding
M54.2

Cervicalgia

Neck pain and stiffness.

M50-M54

Dorsalgia

Pain in the back, including the neck region.

R25.2

Spasm and cramps

Muscle spasms, including those that may occur in the neck.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the neck spasm related to trauma?

  • Yes

    Current injury?

  • No

    Is it acute/torticollis?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Sudden neck pain, stiffness, limited motion
Cervical radiculopathy
Cervical spondylosis

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Neck pain onset, duration, location
  • Neck muscle tightness, stiffness, spasms
  • Range of motion limitations, if any
  • Pain radiating to head, shoulders, back?
  • Aggravating and alleviating factors noted

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Spasm Code

    Using unspecified codes like M79.1 (Neck pain) when a more specific spasm diagnosis (e.g., cervical dystonia) is documented, leading to undercoding.

  • Missed Underlying Cause

    Failing to code the underlying cause of the neck spasm (e.g., injury, neurological condition) which impacts DRG assignment and reimbursement.

  • Laterality Documentation

    Insufficient documentation of laterality (left, right, bilateral) for neck spasm impacting accurate coding and medical necessity of procedures/treatments.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Thorough HPI: Document spasm onset, location, triggers for ICD-10 accuracy.
  • Detailed exam: Note ROM limitations, tenderness, muscle firmness for CDI best practices.
  • Rule out red flags: Assess for neurological deficits, fever for compliance and patient safety.
  • Conservative Rx first: Document NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, PT referral for M79.1 coding.
  • Image if indicated: Justify advanced imaging with clinical findings for compliance and cost-effectiveness.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Rule out cervical dystonia (ICD-10 G24.3)
  • Evaluate for acute wryneck (ICD-10 M43.6)
  • Assess for muscle strain/sprain (ICD-10 S16)
  • Review medication list for extrapyramidal effects
  • Document physical exam findings, pain scale

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Neck Spasm reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 M54.2 coding, impacting physician revenue.
  • Coding errors for neck spasm (M54.2) affect hospital case mix index and quality reporting.
  • Proper documentation of neck spasm etiology improves reimbursement and reduces claim denials.
  • Timely coding and billing of M54.2 minimize A/R days and optimize hospital revenue cycle.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code M54.2 for unspecified neck spasm
  • Document spasm location and laterality
  • Consider trigger points, rule out other causes
  • Check for radiating pain, document details
  • Acute or chronic? Code affects reimbursement

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with acute neck pain and muscle spasm, consistent with a diagnosis of neck spasm or acute cervicalgia.  Onset of symptoms was [Date of onset] and is described as [Character of pain: sharp, dull, aching, throbbing, etc.] and located in the [Location: cervical spine, upper back, radiating to shoulder/head, etc.].  Patient reports [Exacerbating factors:  worsening with movement, certain postures, stress, etc.] and [Relieving factors: rest, ice, heat, over-the-counter medications, etc.].  Physical examination reveals [Objective findings:  limited range of motion, muscle tenderness, palpable spasm in the [Specific muscle group:  trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, etc.], trigger points,  crepitus, and postural abnormalities. Neurological examination is [Normal or Abnormal, specify if abnormal] including [Sensory and motor function assessment, deep tendon reflexes]. Differential diagnoses considered include cervical radiculopathy, whiplash injury, and degenerative disc disease.  Initial treatment plan includes conservative management with [Specific treatment modalities: rest, ice/heat therapy, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen, muscle relaxants, physical therapy referral for range of motion exercises, stretching, and strengthening]. Patient education provided on proper posture, ergonomics, and activity modification.  Follow-up scheduled in [Duration] to assess response to treatment and adjust plan as needed. Medical necessity for treatment established based on functional limitations and pain interfering with activities of daily living.  ICD-10 code M54.2, Cervicalgia, is documented for billing purposes.