M48.12 — Ankylosing hyperostosis [Forestier], cervical region
ICD-10-CM
Prior Authorization
No Prior Auth Required
No active coverage policies found for this code (low confidence)
Documentation Required
- The record must contain the performing provider’s assessment related to the complaint, relevant medical history, results of pertinent tests/procedures, and signed and dated office visit or operative reports.
- The medical record must include a valid ICD-10-CM diagnosis code that best describes the patient’s condition; claims without a valid diagnosis will be returned as incomplete under Section 1833(e).
- All documentation must be legible, include patient identification and dates of service, and bear the legible signature of the physician or NPP responsible for care.
- For therapeutic injection procedures, documentation must explain why the patient is not a candidate for RFA.
Key Coverage Criteria
- Diagnostic or therapeutic injection into the paravertebral facet joint or the nerves innervating that joint for pain management is covered for cervical/thoracic and lumbar/sacral regions when consistent with the LCD.
- Thermal neurolytic destruction (radiofrequency ablation) of nerves innervating facet joints is covered in cervical/thoracic and lumbar/sacral regions per CPT codes 64633–64636 when documentation supports medical necessity.
- Unilateral or bilateral facet interventions are permitted during the same session and a bilateral intervention at the same vertebral level is considered a single level for counting/reporting purposes.
- Diagnostic injections that meet KX modifier criteria (typically the two initial diagnostic injections or additional diagnostic injections at different levels when prior injections were non-diagnostic) are permitted when documented.
- Image-guided (fluoroscopy or CT) single-level facet injections and neurolytic procedures performed with fluoroscopy or CT are covered when documentation supports the procedure codes used.
- Electrodiagnostic testing (EMG and/or nerve conduction studies) is indicated for evaluation of suspected carpal tunnel syndrome.
20 Active Policies
L39624 — Amniotic and Placental Derived Product Injections and/or Applications for Musculoskeletal Indications, Non-Wound
J05
L34594 — Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography
J05
L35486 — Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Anorectal Manometry and EMG
J05
L38841 — Facet Joint Interventions for Pain Management
J05
Related Codes
Have a follow-up question?
Ask Verity about documentation requirements, denial risks, or coverage in your state.