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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesDeforming dorsopathiesICD-10-CM m42-spinal-osteochondrosis
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    ICD-10-CM Code For Spinal Osteochondrosis: Group Overview

    The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code group M42 includes degenerative disorders of the spine characterized by osteochondrosis and related changes of vertebrae and intervertebral discs that may cause mechanical back pain, radiculopathy, or myelopathy. These ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes are used to document the location, laterality, and clinical manifestations of spinal degenerative disease, capturing severity and neurologic involvement when present. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-CM M42 group supports proper claim adjudication, complete clinical documentation, and appropriate reimbursement.

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    ICD-10-CM M42: Spinal Osteochondrosis Overview

    The ICD-10-CM M42 group captures spinal osteochondrosis diagnoses affecting the vertebral column and intervertebral discs, including degenerative changes that can produce pain, stiffness, and neurologic compromise. These conditions target the musculoskeletal and nervous systems where degenerative disc and vertebral endplate changes alter spinal structure and function. Accurate coding matters for complete clinical documentation and supports appropriate reimbursement by reflecting the specific spinal level and severity.

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    When to Use

    Use a code from this group when clinical documentation identifies spinal osteochondrosis as the primary diagnosis responsible for a patient’s symptoms or when it contributes to neurologic deficit. Select codes that reflect the anatomic level, laterality if applicable, and presence or absence of neurologic involvement to ensure accurate representation of the clinical condition.

    ICD-10-CM Codes

    21 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    M42.00Juvenile osteochondrosis of spine, site unspecified
    M42.01Juvenile osteochondrosis of spine, occipito-atlanto-axial region
    M42.02Juvenile osteochondrosis of spine, cervical region
    M42.03Juvenile osteochondrosis of spine, cervicothoracic region
    M42.04Juvenile osteochondrosis of spine, thoracic region
    M42.05Juvenile osteochondrosis of spine, thoracolumbar region
    M42.06Juvenile osteochondrosis of spine, lumbar region
    M42.07Juvenile osteochondrosis of spine, lumbosacral region
    M42.08Juvenile osteochondrosis of spine, sacral and sacrococcygeal region
    M42.09Juvenile osteochondrosis of spine, multiple sites in spine
    M42.10Adult osteochondrosis of spine, site unspecified
    M42.11Adult osteochondrosis of spine, occipito-atlanto-axial region
    M42.12Adult osteochondrosis of spine, cervical region
    M42.13Adult osteochondrosis of spine, cervicothoracic region
    M42.14Adult osteochondrosis of spine, thoracic region
    M42.15Adult osteochondrosis of spine, thoracolumbar region
    M42.16Adult osteochondrosis of spine, lumbar region
    M42.17Adult osteochondrosis of spine, lumbosacral region
    M42.18Adult osteochondrosis of spine, sacral and sacrococcygeal region
    M42.19Adult osteochondrosis of spine, multiple sites in spine

    Showing 1–20 of 21

    DRG Codes

    5 rows

    DRG CodeDescription
    456Spinal Fusion Except Cervical with Spinal Curvature, Malignancy, Infection or Extensive Fusions with MCC
    457Spinal Fusion Except Cervical with Spinal Curvature, Malignancy, Infection or Extensive Fusions with CC
    458Spinal Fusion Except Cervical with Spinal Curvature, Malignancy, Infection or Extensive Fusions without CC/MCC
    553Bone Diseases and Arthropathies with MCC
    554Bone Diseases and Arthropathies without MCC

    Related Codes

    M40-KYPHOSIS-AND-LORDOSIS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Kyphosis And Lordosis: Group Overview

    M41-SCOLIOSIS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Scoliosis: Group Overview

    M43-OTHER-DEFORMING-DORSOPATHIES

    ICD-10-CM Code For Other Deforming Dorsopathies: Group Overview

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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