ICD-10-CM Billable Code

S14.138

Anterior cord syndrome at C8 level of cervical spinal cord

Clinical Classification Guidelines

Medical Intelligence & Overview

Anterior cord syndrome at the C8 level is a type of spinal cord injury that affects the front portion of the cervical spinal cord. This condition can lead to significant neurological deficits, impacting movement and sensation below the level of injury. It's important to recognize the causes, symptoms, and potential management strategies associated with this syndrome to understand its implications better.

Causes & Symptoms

Clinical Causes: Trauma or injury to the neck, such as a car accident, fall, or sports injury Spinal cord compression due to herniated discs or tumors Blood vessel disruptions leading to ischemia (lack of blood flow) in the anterior spinal artery Inflammatory or infectious processes affecting the cervical spine Certain iatrogenic causes, including surgical injury

Key Symptoms: Loss of motor function below the injury level, resulting in paralysis or weakness Reduced or complete loss of pain and temperature sensation below the injury Preservation of proprioception (sense of body position) and vibratory sensation Possible bladder and bowel dysfunction

Diagnostic & Treatment

Diagnosis Path: The diagnosis of anterior cord syndrome involves multiple steps:

Treatment Protocols: Treatment approaches for anterior cord syndrome focus on stabilizing the spine, reducing secondary injury, and supporting neurological recovery:

Reimbursement claims with a date of service on or after October 1, 2015 require the use of ICD-10-CM codes.

Clinical Advice & FAQs

Billing Guidance

Is S14.138 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, S14.138 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

Documentation

How do I report S14.138?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Anterior cord syndrome at C8 level of cervical spinal cord and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.

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