S13.4XXA - Sprain of ligaments of cervical spine, initial encounter
Learn all about the ICD-10-CM code S13.4XXA, which is for the sprain of ligaments of the cervical spine during the initial encounter, including what its clinical description is, if it’s billable or not, what its synonyms are, what other ICD codes are related to it, and a few FAQs.
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Fact Checked by RJ Gumban.
S13.4XXA Diagnosis Code: Sprain of ligaments of cervical spine, initial encounter
The S13.4XXA is an ICD code included in the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM, for short), and it is used to designate “Sprain of ligaments of cervical spine, initial encounter.”
This ICD code pertains to the sprain or dislocation of ligaments in a person’s neck. Sprains such as this are caused by forcibly twisting it, getting hit, or falling. If the ligaments of the cervical spine are sprained, then the ligaments are torn or overstretched.
The initial encounter in this diagnosis code means that it’s the first time the patient and their condition were assessed by a certain provider. Even if they’ve been diagnosed with this before but with another provider, “initial encounter” should be used if the current one is dealing with them for the first time.
Also, the diagnosis code should be given while the patient is actively treated for the ligament sprains of their cervical spine.
Is S13.4XXA billable?
Yes, this ICD-10-CM code is billable and can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement.
S13.4XXA Clinical Information
To reiterate, a ligament sprain of the cervical spine means that the cervical spine ligaments are overstretched or torn. If a patient has such a sprain, they are likely to have the following symptoms:
- Swelling in their cervical spine area, especially in the neck area
- A sharp pain in the neck
- Stiffness of the neck and difficulty moving it
Ligament sprain of the cervical spine is usually caused by whiplash (can happen through accidents or by exercising), sleeping in awkward positions, lifting heavy objects, falling and landing on your neck, performing repetitive motions on the neck (like headbanging in a concert), and by simply having poor posture!
These sprains are normally treated by simply resting and using an ice compress (or some other compress like bandaging). Sometimes, medicine is taken to relieve the pain. Depending on the recovery rate and how severe the sprains are, exercise and physical therapy might be implemented to rehabilitate the sprain.
S13.4XXA synonyms include
- Cervical spine sprain
- Acute cervical spine
- Neck sprain
- Sprain of spinal ligament
- Stiff neck
- Injury to ligament of cervical spine
Other ICD-10 codes commonly used for cervical spine issues
- S13 - Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments at neck level
- S13.0XXA - Traumatic rupture of cervical intervertebral disc, initial encounter
- S13.100A - Subluxation of unspecified cervical vertebrae, initial encounter
- S13.101A - Dislocation of unspecified cervical vertebrae, initial encounter
- S13.110A - Subluxation of C0/C1 cervical vertebrae, initial encounter
- S13.111A - Dislocation of C0/C1 cervical vertebrae, initial encounter
- S13.120A - Subluxation of C1/C2 cervical vertebrae, initial encounter
- S13.121A - Dislocation of C1/C2 cervical vertebrae, initial encounter
- S13.130A - Subluxation of C2/C3 cervical vertebrae, initial encounter
- S13.131A - Dislocation of C2/C3 cervical vertebrae, initial encounter
- S13.140A - Subluxation of C3/C4 cervical vertebrae, initial encounter
- S13.141A - Dislocation of C3/C4 cervical vertebrae, initial encounter
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Commonly asked questions
Yes, this ICD-10 code is billable.
When assessing a patient with cervical sprain for the first time. They also have to be undergoing active treatment for it.
Rest, compression (through bandages, cold/ice compress, etc), medicine, exercise, and physical therapy.
