M46.32

Billable

Infection of intervertebral disc (pyogenic), cervical region

HCC Category Mapping

V28HCC 92 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis

0.209

V24HCC 39 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis

0.482

ESRDHCC 39 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis

0.000

What This Code Means

A bacterial infection of the intervertebral discs in the neck region of the spine.

Coding Tips

•Distinguish between cervical discitis and cervical osteomyelitis; ensure documentation specifies disc involvement
•Document any associated symptoms such as neck pain, radiculopathy, or myelopathy that may affect treatment planning

Clinical Significance

Cervical discitis represents a serious infection with potential for neurological compromise and requires prolonged antibiotic therapy. The cervical location poses risks for spinal cord compression and may require surgical intervention in severe cases.

Documentation Requirements

✓Cervical spine location specification
✓Bacterial culture results or strong clinical suspicion
✓MRI or CT findings showing disc space infection
✓Neurological assessment including motor/sensory function
✓Inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP, white blood cell count)
✓Duration of symptoms and treatment response
✓Any associated vertebral osteomyelitis
✓Functional status and mobility assessment

Commonly Confused Codes

M46.30 — Site unspecified when cervical location is documented M46.52 — Other infective spondylopathies, cervical when non-pyogenic M50.30 — Cervical disc degeneration when degenerative rather than infectious M46.20 — Osteomyelitis when primarily bone rather than disc involvement

Code Hierarchy

└M46Other inflammatory spondylopathies └M46.3Infection of intervertebral disc (pyogenic)└M46.32Infection of intervertebral disc (pyogenic), cervical region

└M46.32Infection of intervertebral disc (pyogenic), cervical region