Is ICD-10-CM code M49 billable?

No, M49 (Spondylopathies in diseases classified elsewhere) 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 M49 belong to?

M49 belongs to Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: M00–M99 (Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue).

M49Not billable, use a more specific code below

Spondylopathies in diseases classified elsewhere

In Spondylopathies (M45-M49), chapter 13: Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue

10 billable codes under M49: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Includes: conditions that are coded here

curvature of spine in diseases classified elsewhere
deformity of spine in diseases classified elsewhere
kyphosis in diseases classified elsewhere
scoliosis in diseases classified elsewhere
spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

curvature of spine in tuberculosis [Pott's] (A18.01)
enteropathic arthropathies (M07.-)
gonococcal spondylitis (A54.41)
neuropathic [tabes dorsalis] spondylitis (A52.11)
neuropathic spondylopathy in syringomyelia (G95.0)
neuropathic spondylopathy in tabes dorsalis (A52.11)
nonsyphilitic neuropathic spondylopathy NEC (G98.0)
spondylitis in syphilis (acquired) (A52.77)
tuberculous spondylitis (A18.01)
typhoid fever spondylitis (A01.05)

Code first: code the underlying condition first, then this code

underlying disease, such as:
brucellosis (A23.-)
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (G60.0)
enterobacterial infections (A01-A04)
osteitis fibrosa cystica (E21.0)

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 M49

M49 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

M49 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 10 billable codes under M49 group to MS-DRG 551 or 552 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

About the condition

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

Spine Injuries and Disorders

Your backbone, or spine, is made up of 26 bone discs called vertebrae. The vertebrae protect your spinal cord and allow you to stand and bend. A number of problems can change the structure of the spine or damage the vertebrae and surrounding tissue. They include:

Code history

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