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M54.2
ICD-10-CM
Right Neck Pain

Find information on right neck pain diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (M54.2), differential diagnosis, and treatment options. Explore resources for healthcare professionals covering neck pain symptoms, causes, physical exam findings, and medical coding best practices for accurate reimbursement. Learn about right-sided neck pain, muscle strain, cervical radiculopathy, and other related conditions. This resource provides valuable insights for physicians, nurses, and medical coders seeking accurate and comprehensive information on right neck pain.

Also known as

Right Cervical Pain
Right-Sided Neck Pain

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Discomfort or pain located in the right side of the neck.
  • Clinical Signs : Stiffness, limited range of motion, muscle spasms, tenderness to touch, headaches.
  • Common Settings : Muscle strain, whiplash, poor posture, cervical radiculopathy, arthritis.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

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

Cervicalgia

Neck pain

M53.0-M53.3

Cervicobrachial syndrome

Pain radiating from neck to arm

M79.1

Myalgia

Muscle pain, possibly including neck muscles

S13.4XXA

Sprain of ligaments of cervical spine, right side, initial encounter

Ligament sprain in the right side of the neck during initial visit

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is neck pain due to trauma/injury?

  • Yes

    Specific injury documented?

  • No

    Radiculopathy/neuralgia?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Right neck pain
Right neck muscle strain
Cervical radiculopathy, right

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Right neck pain ICD-10 code
  • Location: Specify right anterior, posterior, or lateral neck
  • Onset and duration of right neck pain
  • Associated symptoms: headache, numbness, tingling
  • Physical exam findings: ROM, tenderness

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality Unspecified

    Coding right neck pain without specifying laterality can lead to claim rejections. Use specific ICD-10 codes like M54.2 for right side.

  • Neck Pain Specificity

    Generalized neck pain code lacks detail. Document underlying cause (e.g., cervicalgia, radiculopathy) for accurate coding and reimbursement.

  • Documentation Deficiency

    Insufficient documentation of right neck pain characteristics (onset, location, severity) impacts coding accuracy and audit defense.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10 coding (M53.0-M53.8) for right neck pain diagnoses.
  • Thorough documentation of pain characteristics, location, and onset.
  • Review medical necessity for diagnostic tests, imaging, and procedures.
  • Query physicians for clarification of unspecified right neck pain diagnoses.
  • Ensure compliance with payer guidelines for pain management documentation.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify laterality: Right neck pain documented?
  • Assess onset, duration, characteristics of pain
  • Consider and document MSK vs. neurogenic causes
  • Review imaging if indicated (X-ray, MRI, CT)
  • Document associated symptoms: headache, numbness, etc.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Right Neck Pain: Coding accuracy impacts reimbursement for M79.831 (ICD-10), ensuring appropriate hospital reporting and revenue cycle management.
  • Accurate neck pain diagnosis coding affects quality metrics like patient satisfaction, pain management effectiveness, and resource utilization.
  • Proper documentation of right neck pain improves data integrity for hospital quality reporting, impacting value-based care reimbursement.
  • Correct M79.831 coding minimizes claim denials, improves reimbursement rates, and optimizes hospital revenue cycle for neck pain diagnoses.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • ICD-10 M54.2 for neck pain
  • Document pain laterality
  • Specify onset, location, radiation
  • Consider M53.0 for cervicogenic headache
  • Rule out radiculopathy with exam details

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of right neck pain.  Onset of pain is described as (acute, subacute, chronic) and began (duration) ago.  The pain is characterized as (sharp, dull, aching, burning, throbbing, electric, stabbing) and located in the (upper, middle, lower) right neck, possibly radiating to the (right shoulder, right arm, head, back).  Patient reports the pain is (constant, intermittent) and (aggravated, alleviated) by (specific movements, postures, activities, rest).  Pain severity is reported as (mild, moderate, severe) on a scale of 0-10, currently at (numeric pain score).  Associated symptoms may include (headache, stiffness, numbness, tingling, weakness, dizziness, nausea, limited range of motion).  Past medical history includes (relevant medical conditions, e.g., cervical spondylosis, whiplash, arthritis).  Medications include (list current medications).  Physical examination reveals (tenderness to palpation, muscle spasm, decreased range of motion, neurological deficits, crepitus).  Differential diagnosis includes (cervical strain, cervical radiculopathy, facet joint syndrome, torticollis, myofascial pain syndrome).  Assessment: Right neck pain, likely due to (presumptive diagnosis).  Plan:  (Conservative management including rest, ice, heat, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen, physical therapy referral, muscle relaxants, prescription pain medication if indicated).  Follow-up scheduled in (duration) to assess response to treatment.  Patient education provided regarding proper posture, ergonomics, and activity modification.  ICD-10 code: (appropriate ICD-10 code based on diagnosis).
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