What is the ICD-10 code for cervicalgia?

The ICD-10 code for cervicalgia is M54.2, used for non-specific neck pain without radiculopathy.

When should M50.10 be used instead of M54.2?

Use M50.10 when cervical disc disorder is accompanied by radiculopathy, indicated by radiating pain and neurological deficits.

ICD-10 Coding for Cervicalgia(M54.2, G89.21, M47.8)

Save

Explore detailed ICD-10 coding guidelines for cervicalgia, including primary codes, documentation requirements, and common pitfalls.

Also known as:

Neck PainCervical Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cervicalgia

M00-M99Primary Range

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue

→

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
M54.2	Cervicalgia	Use for non-specific neck pain without radicular symptoms.	Documentation of neck pain without radiculopathy or myelopathy Physical exam findings such as tenderness or limited range of motion
M50.10	Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy	Use when cervical disc disorder is accompanied by radiculopathy.	Positive Spurling's test Neurological deficits in corresponding dermatomes

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Cervicalgia

M54.2Billable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathyM50.10

Use when there is pain radiating to the arm with neurological deficits.

CervicalgiaM54.2

Use when there is no radiculopathy present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Cervicalgia.

Insufficient documentation of pain characteristics

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning, Regulatory: Potential for audit issues, Financial: Denied claims due to lack of specificity

Mitigation

Use structured templates, Ensure thorough patient interviews

Using M54.2 for post-surgical pain

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation

Use M96.1 for postoperative cervicalgia.

Documentation of radiculopathy

Impact

Inadequate documentation of neurological findings can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation

Ensure detailed documentation of neurological exams and imaging results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with M54.2.

Primary Code

M54.2

Cervicalgia

Quick Navigation

ICD-10 codes6

Coding risks3

FAQs2

ICD-10 Coding for Cervicalgia(M54.2, G89.21, M47.8)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for cervicalgia?

When should M50.10 be used instead of M54.2?

Related condition guides