Is ICD-10-CM code M19 billable?

No, M19 (Other and unspecified osteoarthritis) 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 M19 belong to?

M19 belongs to Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: M00–M99 (Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue).

M19Not billable, use a more specific code below

Other and unspecified osteoarthritis

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

52 billable codes under M19: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

polyarthritis (M15.-)

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

arthrosis of spine (M47.-)
hallux rigidus (M20.2)
osteoarthritis of spine (M47.-)

Also applies, from Osteoarthritis (M15-M19)

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

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 M19

M19 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

M19 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 52 billable codes under M19 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 M19

Notes on these codes point to M19.

M12 Excludes1: arthrosis (M15-M19)
M13 Excludes1: arthrosis (M15-M19)
M13 Excludes1: osteoarthritis (M15-M19)
M13.8 Excludes1: osteoarthritis (M15-M19)
M15 Excludes1: bilateral involvement of single joint (M16-M19)

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.