M48.3
Non-Billable

Traumatic spondylopathy

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Traumatic spondylopathy?

ICD-10-CM M48.3 is the diagnosis code for Traumatic spondylopathy. This code falls under the section "Spondylopathies" within Chapter 13 — Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

Coding Guidelines for M48.3

Always refer to the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List for complete coding guidelines. Ensure documentation supports the specificity of the code selected. When in doubt, consult a certified medical coder or the latest CMS guidelines.

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where M48.3 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 9 entries
M48.30Traumatic spondylopathy, site unspecifiedBillableM48.31Traumatic spondylopathy, occipito-atlanto-axial regionBillableM48.32Traumatic spondylopathy, cervical regionBillableM48.33Traumatic spondylopathy, cervicothoracic regionBillableM48.34Traumatic spondylopathy, thoracic regionBillableM48.35Traumatic spondylopathy, thoracolumbar regionBillableM48.36Traumatic spondylopathy, lumbar regionBillableM48.37Traumatic spondylopathy, lumbosacral regionBillableM48.38Traumatic spondylopathy, sacral and sacrococcygeal regionBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is M48.3 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, M48.3 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does M48.3 mean?

M48.3 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Traumatic spondylopathy". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of M48.3?

The parent code of M48.3 is M48 ("Other spondylopathies"). M48.3 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is M48.3 in?

M48.3 is located in Section M45-M49 — "Spondylopathies" within Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of M48.3?

M48.3 has 9 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: M48.30, M48.31, M48.32, M48.33, M48.34 and more.

When should I use M48.3?

Use M48.3 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Traumatic spondylopathy" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Traumatic spondylopathy?

The ICD-10-CM code for Traumatic spondylopathy is M48.3.

Can M48.3 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, M48.3 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is M48.3 in?

M48.3 is in Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

Is M48.3 valid for 2026?

Yes, M48.3 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousM48.27Kissing spine, lumbosacral regionNext →M48.30Traumatic spondylopathy, site unspecified
Code Details
M48.3
Traumatic spondylopathy
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
13 — Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99)
M45-M49 — Spondylopathies
2026 ICD-10-CM