Is ICD-10-CM code M15 billable?

No, M15 (Polyosteoarthritis) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code M15 belong to?

M15 belongs to Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: M00–M99 (Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue).

M15Not billable, use a more specific code below

Polyosteoarthritis

In Osteoarthritis (M15-M19), chapter 13: Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue

7 billable codes under M15: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Includes: conditions that are coded here

arthritis of multiple sites

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

bilateral involvement of single joint (M16-M19)

Also applies, from Osteoarthritis (M15-M19)

These notes sit on M15-M19 and apply to every code under it, including M15.

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

osteoarthritis of spine (M47.-)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Covers site and laterality, acute injury versus chronic musculoskeletal conditions, 7th characters for pathologic fractures, osteoporosis with or without current fracture, and multisystem inflammatory syndrome.

Site and laterality (page 60)
Acute traumatic versus chronic or recurrent musculoskeletal conditions (page 61)
Coding of Pathologic Fractures (page 61)
Osteoporosis (page 61)
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (page 62)

Read Section I.C.13 (page 60)

All codes under M15

M15 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

M15 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 7 billable codes under M15 group to MS-DRG 553 or 554 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

Other codes that refer to M15

Notes on these codes point to M15.

M12 Excludes1: arthrosis (M15-M19)
M13 Excludes1: arthrosis (M15-M19)
M13 Excludes1: osteoarthritis (M15-M19)
M13.8 Excludes1: osteoarthritis (M15-M19)
M19 Excludes1: polyarthritis (M15.-)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, sometimes called OA, is a type of arthritis that only affects the joints, usually in the hands, knees, hips, neck, and lower back. It's the most common type of arthritis.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.