Is ICD-10-CM code M25 billable?

No, M25 (Other joint disorder, not elsewhere classified) 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 M25 belong to?

M25 belongs to Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: M00–M99 (Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue).

M25Not billable, use a more specific code below

Other joint disorder, not elsewhere classified

In Other joint disorders (M20-M25), chapter 13: Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue

225 billable codes under M25: 26 are a CC; none map to an HCC.A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment.

Instructional notes

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

abnormality of gait and mobility (R26.-)
acquired deformities of limb (M20-M21)
calcification of bursa (M71.4-)
calcification of shoulder (joint) (M75.3)
calcification of tendon (M65.2-)
difficulty in walking (R26.2)
temporomandibular joint disorder (M26.6-)

Also applies, from Other joint disorders (M20-M25)

These notes sit on M20-M25 and apply to every code under it, including M25.

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

joints of the spine (M40-M54)

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 M25

M25 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

M25 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under M25 group to these 14 MS-DRGs (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 555 Signs and Symptoms of Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue with MCC (98 of 225 codes)
DRG 556 Signs and Symptoms of Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue without MCC (98 of 225 codes)
DRG 564 Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses with MCC (75 of 225 codes)
DRG 565 Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses with CC (75 of 225 codes)
DRG 566 Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses without CC/MCC (75 of 225 codes)
DRG 553 Bone Diseases and Arthropathies with MCC (26 of 225 codes)
DRG 554 Bone Diseases and Arthropathies without MCC (26 of 225 codes)
DRG 557 Tendonitis, Myositis and Bursitis with MCC (25 of 225 codes)
DRG 558 Tendonitis, Myositis and Bursitis without MCC (25 of 225 codes)
DRG 157 Dental and Oral Diseases with MCC (1 of 225 codes)
DRG 158 Dental and Oral Diseases with CC (1 of 225 codes)
DRG 159 Dental and Oral Diseases without CC/MCC (1 of 225 codes)
DRG 551 Medical Back Problems with MCC (1 of 225 codes)
DRG 552 Medical Back Problems without MCC (1 of 225 codes)

About the condition

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

Joint Disorders

Your joints are places where two or more bones come together. Your shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and knuckles are all joints. Your spine has joints, too.

Code history

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