M43.21
BillableFusion of spine, occipito-atlanto-axial region
This code does not map to an HCC category in any model (V28, V24, ESRD, RxHCC).
What This Code Means
A surgical procedure where the bones at the very top of the spine (where the skull connects to the neck) are fused together to provide stability.
Coding Tips
- •This code represents fusion at the occipito-atlanto-axial region (skull-C1-C2); verify operative reports for exact levels fused
- •Often used for atlantoaxial instability or upper cervical pathology; document the clinical indication
Code Hierarchy
└M43Other deforming dorsopathies└M43.2Fusion of spine└M43.21Fusion of spine, occipito-atlanto-axial region
└M43.21Fusion of spine, occipito-atlanto-axial region