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    OpenPayerBilling CodesDeforming dorsopathiesICD-10-CM m43-other-deforming-dorsopathies
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    ICD-10-CM Code For Other Deforming Dorsopathies: Group Overview

    The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code group M43 includes spinal deformities and related structural dorsopathies such as certain forms of kyphosis, lordosis, and other deforming conditions of the vertebral column. These ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes are used to document clinical presentations involving spinal alignment abnormalities, associated pain or neurological symptoms, and structural progression or chronicity. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-CM M43 group supports proper claim adjudication, complete clinical documentation, and appropriate reimbursement.

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    ICD-10-CM M43: Other Deforming Dorsopathies Overview

    The ICD-10-CM M43 group includes disorders that cause deformity of the spine, such as kyphosis, lordosis, and other structural dorsopathies. These conditions affect the vertebral column and associated soft tissues and can lead to pain, neurological compromise, or functional limitation. Accurate coding matters for appropriate claim adjudication and reflects the clinical complexity needed for reimbursement.

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    When to Use

    Use a code from this group when the clinical record documents a spinal deformity such as kyphosis, lordosis, or another specified deforming dorsopathy as the primary diagnosis or as a significant comorbidity. Select codes that reflect the specific type, anatomic region, and any documented laterality or associated neurological involvement when available.

    ICD-10-CM Codes

    50 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    M43.00Spondylolysis, site unspecified
    M43.01Spondylolysis, occipito-atlanto-axial region
    M43.02Spondylolysis, cervical region
    M43.03Spondylolysis, cervicothoracic region
    M43.04Spondylolysis, thoracic region
    M43.05Spondylolysis, thoracolumbar region
    M43.06Spondylolysis, lumbar region
    M43.07Spondylolysis, lumbosacral region
    M43.08Spondylolysis, sacral and sacrococcygeal region
    M43.09Spondylolysis, multiple sites in spine
    M43.10Spondylolisthesis, site unspecified
    M43.11Spondylolisthesis, occipito-atlanto-axial region
    M43.12Spondylolisthesis, cervical region
    M43.13Spondylolisthesis, cervicothoracic region
    M43.14Spondylolisthesis, thoracic region
    M43.15Spondylolisthesis, thoracolumbar region
    M43.16Spondylolisthesis, lumbar region
    M43.17Spondylolisthesis, lumbosacral region
    M43.18Spondylolisthesis, sacral and sacrococcygeal region
    M43.19Spondylolisthesis, multiple sites in spine

    Showing 1–20 of 50

    DRG Codes

    8 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
    551Medical Back Problems with MCC
    552Medical Back Problems without MCC
    564Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses with MCC
    565Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses with CC
    566Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses without CC/MCC

    Typical Clinical Scenarios

    • An older adult with progressive, long-standing kyphosis and back pain presents to a primary care clinic for worsening posture and decreased pulmonary reserve; imaging shows age-related thoracic vertebral wedge deformities and increased thoracic curvature without acute fracture. A deforming dorsopathy diagnosis is assigned to capture the chronic structural spinal deformity contributing to functional decline and symptom management. Typical codes: M43.0, M43.10
    • A middle-aged worker arrives at the emergency department after a fall with new focal lumbar pain and radicular symptoms; radiographs reveal acute exacerbation of previously documented spondylolisthesis with increased vertebral displacement. A code from this group is used to describe the vertebral alignment deformity that is the source of acute neurologic compression and to guide urgent management. Typical codes: M43.1, M43.2
    • A patient with longstanding inflammatory spinal disease is seen in rheumatology for progressive cervical deformity causing difficulty with swallowing and pain; clinical assessment and imaging attribute the problem to chronic deforming changes of the cervical spine as a comorbidity complicating the primary inflammatory condition. A deforming dorsopathy code is assigned to document the structural cervical deformity as a comorbidity impacting treatment planning. Typical codes: M43.3, M43.4

    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

    M42-SPINAL-OSTEOCHONDROSIS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Spinal Osteochondrosis: 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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