M43.6 – Torticollis

M43.6 Diagnosis Code: Torticollis

Clinical Description

• M43.6 is an ICD-10 code used for diagnosing Torticollis, a condition characterized by the involuntary contraction of the neck muscles leading to a twisted or tilted neck.
• This code helps health professionals categorize and detail a patient's condition for medical records, epidemiological tracking, and insurance reimbursement purposes.
• It is applicable in both primary care and specialist settings. It can be used by general practitioners, neurologists, pediatricians, orthopedic specialists, physiotherapists, and other healthcare providers involved in diagnosing and managing neck disorders.
• The M43.6 diagnosis code, while giving a general classification for torticollis, does not provide detailed information about the specific type or cause of torticollis. Additional coding or narrative description may be needed to capture specifics like congenital origin due to trauma, drug-induced, etc.
• Clinical presentation of patients with M43.6 might include a head tilt to one side, neck pain or stiffness, headache, and in some cases, other symptoms associated with the cause of the torticollis.
• The diagnosis process may involve a comprehensive history taking, clinical examination, and, potentially, advanced imaging studies to ascertain the cause of torticollis. The M43.6 code would be applied after a confirmed diagnosis of torticollis.
• Treatment strategies for torticollis vary widely, depending on the cause, severity, and duration of symptoms, and the M43.6 code aids in tracking these treatments in the patient's medical record.

Is M43.6 Billable?

M43.6 is a billable code, meaning it can specify a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

Clinical Information

• M43.6 is a descriptive code specifying a diagnosis of Torticollis.
• Patients with this condition often present with their head tilted to one side.
• The patients might report pain and discomfort in moving the neck.
• Depending on the cause, additional symptoms may be present, such as fever (in infection) or movement disorders (in neurological conditions).
• Clinical management includes a physical examination, imaging if necessary, and treatment based on the underlying cause.

Synonyms Include:

• Wry neck
• Twisted neck
• Cervical dystonia
• Contractural torticollis
• Congenital muscular torticollis

Other ICD-10 Codes Commonly Used for Torticollis

• M43.60 - Torticollis, unspecified
• M43.61 - Muscular Torticollis
• M43.62 - Torticollis due to trauma
• M43.63 - Torticollis due to drugs
• M43.64 - Torticollis due to other external causes
• M43.65 - Torticollis, unspecified, bilateral
• M43.66 - Torticollis, unspecified, unilateral