The M54.12 Diagnosis Code is a crucial component of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) system. Specifically, M54.12 is used to classify and code radiculopathy in the cervical region, commonly known as cervical radiculopathy. This code is essential for medical billing, record-keeping, and epidemiological statistics within the healthcare industry in the United States and other countries that utilize the ICD-10-CM system.
M54.12 is categorized as a billable/specific code, meaning it is precise enough to be used on claims for reimbursement. The code officially came into effect on October 1, 2015, with the introduction of ICD-10-CM, and the current 2025 edition remains unchanged from previous years. This stability ensures consistent application and understanding across different healthcare providers and coding periods. While M54.12 is the American version, it’s important to note that international versions of ICD-10 for cervical radiculopathy may differ.
What is Cervical Radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine (neck region) becomes compressed or irritated. This compression often results from conditions like spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or degenerative changes in the cervical vertebrae. The condition can lead to a variety of symptoms due to the disruption of nerve function.
Synonyms and Related Terms
Several terms are used interchangeably with cervical radiculopathy, all falling under the M54.12 diagnosis code. These include:
- Cervical radiculitis
- Cervical nerve root compression
- Ulnar neuritis (in some cases, depending on the nerve root affected)
- Pinched nerve in neck
Symptoms Associated with M54.12
Patients diagnosed with M54.12 may experience a range of symptoms, including:
- Pain radiating from the neck down into the shoulder, arm, and hand.
- Numbness or tingling sensations in the fingers or hand.
- Muscle weakness in the arm or hand.
- Reflex changes.
- Neck pain that may worsen with certain movements.
The specific symptoms and their severity can vary depending on which nerve root in the cervical spine is affected.
ICD-10-CM Code History for M54.12
The code M54.12 has a consistent history within the ICD-10-CM system:
- 2016: M54.12 was established as a new code, marking the initial year of the non-draft ICD-10-CM implementation in the US (effective October 1, 2015).
- 2017-2025: No changes have been made to the M54.12 code description or application across these years, maintaining its definition and usage.
This stable history is crucial for accurate and consistent medical coding and data analysis over time.
Related ICD-10-CM Codes
M54.12 is part of a broader category within ICD-10-CM. It is closely related to other codes that specify radiculopathy in different regions of the spine. Some adjacent and related codes include:
- M54.10: Radiculopathy, site unspecified
- M54.11: Radiculopathy, occipito-atlanto-axial region
- M54.13: Radiculopathy, cervicothoracic region
- M54.14: Radiculopathy, thoracic region
- M54.15: Radiculopathy, thoracolumbar region
- M54.16: Radiculopathy, lumbar region
- M54.17: Radiculopathy, lumbosacral region
- M54.18: Radiculopathy, sacral and sacrococcygeal region
Understanding the context of M54.12 within these related codes helps in accurate diagnosis coding based on the specific location of radiculopathy.
Conclusion
The M54.12 diagnosis code is a vital tool for classifying cervical radiculopathy within the ICD-10-CM system. Its specific nature allows for accurate medical documentation, billing, and statistical tracking of this common condition. For healthcare professionals, understanding the nuances of M54.12 and its related codes is essential for effective patient care and compliant medical coding practices.
