Oth inflammatory spondylopathies, cervicothoracic region

This code signifies an inflammatory condition affecting the spine in the neck and upper back regions, specifically when the inflammation is not classified as a more common spondylopathy (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic spondylitis) and is not infectious. It indicates a non-infectious inflammatory process impacting the cervical and thoracic vertebrae and associated structures.

Use this code for patients presenting with inflammatory spondylopathy symptoms in the cervicothoracic spine that do not fit criteria for more specific M45, M46.0, M46.1, or M46.2 codes. Documentation should clearly state an inflammatory process in the cervicothoracic region and rule out infectious causes or other specified inflammatory spondylopathies.

• Ensure documentation specifies "other" or "unspecified" inflammatory spondylopathy when a more precise diagnosis isn't available.
• Verify the affected spinal region is explicitly documented as cervicothoracic to support the 83 specificity.
• Do not use this code if the inflammation is due to an infection; instead, refer to codes in the M46.2 series.