Is ICD-10-CM code M41 billable?

No, M41 (Scoliosis) 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 M41 belong to?

M41 belongs to Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: M00–M99 (Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue).

M41Not billable, use a more specific code below

Scoliosis

In Deforming dorsopathies (M40-M43), chapter 13: Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue

55 billable codes under M41: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Includes: conditions that are coded here

kyphoscoliosis

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

congenital scoliosis NOS (Q67.5)
congenital scoliosis due to bony malformation (Q76.3)
postural congenital scoliosis (Q67.5)
kyphoscoliotic heart disease (I27.1)

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

postprocedural scoliosis (M96.89)
postradiation scoliosis (M96.5)

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 M41

M41 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

M41 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under M41 group to MS-DRG 551, 552, 456, 457, or 458 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 551 Medical Back Problems with MCC (55 of 55 codes)
DRG 552 Medical Back Problems without MCC (55 of 55 codes)
DRG 456 Spinal Fusion Except Cervical with Spinal Curvature, Malignancy, or Infection with MCC (40 of 55 codes)
DRG 457 Spinal Fusion Except Cervical with Spinal Curvature, Malignancy, or Infection with CC (40 of 55 codes)
DRG 458 Spinal Fusion Except Cervical with Spinal Curvature, Malignancy, or Infection without CC/MCC (40 of 55 codes)

Other codes that refer to M41

Notes on these codes point to M41.

M40 Excludes1: kyphoscoliosis (M41.-)
M43.8 Excludes2: scoliosis (M41.-)

About the condition

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

Scoliosis

Scoliosis causes a sideways curve of your backbone, or spine. These curves are often S- or C-shaped. Scoliosis is most common in late childhood and the early teens, when children grow fast. Girls are more likely to have it than boys. It can run in families. Symptoms include leaning to one side and having uneven shoulders and hips. Sometimes it is easy to notice, but not always.

Code history

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