Is ICD-10-CM code M79 billable?

No, M79 (Other and unspecified soft tissue disorders, 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 M79 belong to?

M79 belongs to Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: M00–M99 (Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue).

M79Not billable, use a more specific code below

Other and unspecified soft tissue disorders, not elsewhere classified

In Other soft tissue disorders (M70-M79), chapter 13: Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue

52 billable codes under M79: 8 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

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

psychogenic rheumatism (F45.8)
soft tissue pain, psychogenic (F45.41)

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 M79

M79 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

M79 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under M79 group to these 11 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 (40 of 52 codes)
DRG 556 Signs and Symptoms of Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue without MCC (40 of 52 codes)
DRG 557 Tendonitis, Myositis and Bursitis with MCC (8 of 52 codes)
DRG 558 Tendonitis, Myositis and Bursitis without MCC (8 of 52 codes)
DRG 606 Minor Skin Disorders with MCC (2 of 52 codes)
DRG 607 Minor Skin Disorders without MCC (2 of 52 codes)
DRG 073 Cranial and Peripheral Nerve Disorders with MCC (1 of 52 codes)
DRG 074 Cranial and Peripheral Nerve Disorders without MCC (1 of 52 codes)
DRG 564 Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses with MCC (1 of 52 codes)
DRG 565 Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses with CC (1 of 52 codes)
DRG 566 Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses without CC/MCC (1 of 52 codes)

About the condition

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

Connective Tissue Disorders

Your connective tissue supports many different parts of your body, such as your skin, eyes, and heart. It is like a "cellular glue" that gives your body parts their shape and helps keep them strong. It also helps some of your tissues do their work. It is made of many kinds of proteins. Cartilage and fat are types of connective tissue.

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.