Spine Levels for Coders at a Glance (Cheat Sheet)

A two-page quick reference for coding the spine by level. A labeled side view of the spine (C1 to L5, sacrum, and coccyx) sits beside the tables, so you can match the report to the right character at a glance.

WHAT'S INSIDE

• Page 1 (ICD-10-CM): the region character used across the dorsopathies (M40 to M54) and its exceptions, cervical disc codes by level (C2-C3 to C7-T1), the M51 lumbar and thoracic disc structure including the back pain and leg pain characters, vertebral fractures by level (S12, S22, S32), spinal cord injury by cord level (S14, S24, S34), and what to do at a junction like C7-T1
• Page 2 (ICD-10-PCS): body part values for vertebrae, vertebral joints, and discs by region, fusion body parts by number of joints, the fusion device and qualifier characters, the spinal fusion guidelines, and 5 worked examples

FILE FORMAT

• One PDF, US Letter (8.5 x 11 inches), 2 pages. Print it or keep it open on your screen.

HOW IT WORKS

Your download link appears right after payment and is emailed to you.

GOOD TO KNOW

• Based on the FY2027 ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS code sets and Official Guidelines (in effect October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027). Codes change every October, so check the current year.
• This guide covers ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS only. It has no CPT procedure codes.
• Educational reference, not legal or billing advice. Payers and facilities can add their own rules.
• AAPC exam rules don't allow notes taken from study guides, so use this as a study and desk aid only, not in an exam code book.
• Not affiliated with or endorsed by CMS, NCHS, AHA, AAPC, or AHIMA.
• Digital items generally can't be returned. If a file is missing, damaged, or different from this listing, email thedenialdesk@gmail.com and I'll help sort it out.
• Drafted with help from AI tools, then reviewed and fact-checked by a certified medical coding professional.

PLEASE DON'T SHARE

This file is for your own use. Please don't resell, share, or post it.