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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesSpondylopathiesICD-10-CM m48-other-spondylopathies
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    ICD-10-CM Code For Other Spondylopathies: Group Overview

    The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code group M48 includes degenerative and structural disorders of the vertebral column not classified elsewhere, such as spinal stenosis and certain spondylosis variants that affect spinal stability and neural elements. These ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes are used to document clinical presentations ranging from degenerative changes with nerve root compression to acquired deformity and instability, capturing disease severity, neurologic involvement, and anatomic level. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-CM M48 group supports proper claim adjudication, complete clinical documentation, and appropriate reimbursement.

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    ICD-10-CM M48: Other Spondylopathies Overview

    The ICD-10-CM M48 group covers degenerative and structural disorders of the vertebral column that are not classified elsewhere, including spinal stenosis and spondylosis variants. These conditions affect the spine and surrounding supportive structures, often leading to pain, neurologic symptoms, or functional limitation. Accurate coding matters for appropriate claim processing and to reflect the clinical complexity for reimbursement.

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    When to Use

    Use a code from this group when a clinical diagnosis specifies an other spondylopathy that is not classified in another ICD-10-CM category. Apply codes that reflect the anatomic level, presence of neural compression, and documented complications to ensure accurate clinical and billing records.

    ICD-10-CM Codes

    119 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    M48.00Spinal stenosis, site unspecified
    M48.01Spinal stenosis, occipito-atlanto-axial region
    M48.02Spinal stenosis, cervical region
    M48.03Spinal stenosis, cervicothoracic region
    M48.04Spinal stenosis, thoracic region
    M48.05Spinal stenosis, thoracolumbar region
    M48.061Spinal stenosis, lumbar region without neurogenic claudication
    M48.062Spinal stenosis, lumbar region with neurogenic claudication
    M48.07Spinal stenosis, lumbosacral region
    M48.08Spinal stenosis, sacral and sacrococcygeal region
    M48.10Ankylosing hyperostosis [Forestier], site unspecified
    M48.11Ankylosing hyperostosis [Forestier], occipito-atlanto-axial region
    M48.12Ankylosing hyperostosis [Forestier], cervical region
    M48.13Ankylosing hyperostosis [Forestier], cervicothoracic region
    M48.14Ankylosing hyperostosis [Forestier], thoracic region
    M48.15Ankylosing hyperostosis [Forestier], thoracolumbar region
    M48.16Ankylosing hyperostosis [Forestier], lumbar region
    M48.17Ankylosing hyperostosis [Forestier], lumbosacral region
    M48.18Ankylosing hyperostosis [Forestier], sacral and sacrococcygeal region
    M48.19Ankylosing hyperostosis [Forestier], multiple sites in spine

    Showing 1–20 of 119

    DRG Codes

    13 rows

    DRG CodeDescription
    542Pathological Fractures and Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Malignancy with MCC
    543Pathological Fractures and Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Malignancy with CC
    544Pathological Fractures and Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Malignancy without CC/MCC
    545Connective Tissue Disorders with MCC
    546Connective Tissue Disorders with CC
    547Connective Tissue Disorders without CC/MCC
    551Medical Back Problems with MCC
    552Medical Back Problems without MCC
    559Aftercare, Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue with MCC
    560Aftercare, Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue with CC
    561Aftercare, Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue without CC/MCC
    791Prematurity with Major Problems
    793Full Term Neonate with Major Problems

    Typical Clinical Scenarios

    • Elderly patient with progressive lumbar spinal stenosis presenting with chronic low back pain, bilateral lower extremity neurogenic claudication worsened by walking, and documented radiographic degenerative spondylotic changes causing spinal canal narrowing. The patient seeks evaluation for worsening gait instability and pain limiting activities of daily living despite conservative therapy, so a spondylopathy code reflecting degenerative change of the lumbar spine is assigned. Typical codes: M48.06, M48.07
    • Middle‑aged patient with a history of long‑standing compression fracture of a thoracic vertebra after trauma, now presenting for follow‑up with persistent localized back pain and imaging showing established nonunion/instability of the vertebral body. The visit documents chronic sequelae of the prior injury and ongoing structural spondylopathic changes requiring monitoring or surgical planning, so a chronic spondylopathy code for the thoracic region is used. Typical codes: M48.12, M48.13
    • Patient with ankylosing features and diffuse spinal rigidity admitted for acute worsening of axial pain after a fall, with imaging revealing pseudarthrosis (nonunion) at a mobile segment and focal instability. Because the acute exacerbation is a complication superimposed on underlying spondylopathy and may affect management decisions, an appropriate code reflecting the specific cervical or thoracolumbar region and encounter type is assigned. Typical codes: M48.02, M48.06

    Related Codes

    M45-ANKYLOSING-SPONDYLITIS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Ankylosing Spondylitis: Group Overview

    M46-OTHER-INFLAMMATORY-SPONDYLOPATHIES

    ICD-10-CM Code For Other Inflammatory Spondylopathies: Group Overview

    M47-SPONDYLOSIS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Spondylosis: Group Overview

    M49-SPONDYLOPATHIES-IN-DISEASES-CLASSIFIED-ELSEWHERE

    ICD-10-CM Code For Spondylopathies In Diseases Classified Elsewhere: 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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