Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

I.D. Anatomical Site for Compression Syndrome

Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffers from anterior spinal artery compression syndrome. How should I choose a code for this encounter?

Illinois Subscriber

Answer: It will depend on the location of the compression syndrome. Go back and check the notes. Then, report one of these diagnoses, depending on patient specifics:

  • M47.011- (Anterior spinal artery compression syndromes, occipito-atlanto-axial region)
  • M47.012- (Anterior spinal artery compression syndromes, cervical region)
  • M47.013- (Anterior spinal artery compression syndromes, cervicothoracic region)
  • M47.014- (Anterior spinal artery compression syndromes, thoracic region)
  • M47.015- (Anterior spinal artery compression syndromes, thoracolumbar region)
  • M47.016- (Anterior spinal artery compression syndromes, lumbar region)
  • M47.019- (Anterior spinal artery compression syndromes, site unspecified).