M25.6
Non-Billable

Stiffness of joint, not elsewhere classified

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Stiffness of joint, not elsewhere classified?

ICD-10-CM M25.6 is the diagnosis code for Stiffness of joint, not elsewhere classified. This code falls under the section "Other joint disorders" 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.

⛔ Excludes1

Coding Guidelines for M25.6

⛔ Type 1 Excludes (Never code together)

The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as M25.6. They are mutually exclusive:

  • ankylosis of joint (M24.6-)
  • contracture of joint (M24.5-)

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where M25.6 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 9 entries
M25.60Stiffness of unspecified joint, not elsewhere classifiedBillableM25.61Stiffness of shoulder, not elsewhere classifiedNon-BillableM25.611Stiffness of right shoulder, not elsewhere classifiedBillableM25.612Stiffness of left shoulder, not elsewhere classifiedBillableM25.619Stiffness of unspecified shoulder, not elsewhere classifiedBillableM25.62Stiffness of elbow, not elsewhere classifiedNon-BillableM25.621Stiffness of right elbow, not elsewhere classifiedBillableM25.622Stiffness of left elbow, not elsewhere classifiedBillableM25.629Stiffness of unspecified elbow, not elsewhere classifiedBillableM25.63Stiffness of wrist, not elsewhere classifiedNon-BillableM25.631Stiffness of right wrist, not elsewhere classifiedBillableM25.632Stiffness of left wrist, not elsewhere classifiedBillableM25.639Stiffness of unspecified wrist, not elsewhere classifiedBillableM25.64Stiffness of hand, not elsewhere classifiedNon-BillableM25.641Stiffness of right hand, not elsewhere classifiedBillableM25.642Stiffness of left hand, not elsewhere classifiedBillableM25.649Stiffness of unspecified hand, not elsewhere classifiedBillableM25.65Stiffness of hip, not elsewhere classifiedNon-BillableM25.651Stiffness of right hip, not elsewhere classifiedBillableM25.652Stiffness of left hip, not elsewhere classifiedBillableM25.659Stiffness of unspecified hip, not elsewhere classifiedBillableM25.66Stiffness of knee, not elsewhere classifiedNon-BillableM25.661Stiffness of right knee, not elsewhere classifiedBillableM25.662Stiffness of left knee, not elsewhere classifiedBillableM25.669Stiffness of unspecified knee, not elsewhere classifiedBillableM25.67Stiffness of ankle and foot, not elsewhere classifiedNon-BillableM25.671Stiffness of right ankle, not elsewhere classifiedBillableM25.672Stiffness of left ankle, not elsewhere classifiedBillableM25.673Stiffness of unspecified ankle, not elsewhere classifiedBillableM25.674Stiffness of right foot, not elsewhere classifiedBillableM25.675Stiffness of left foot, not elsewhere classifiedBillableM25.676Stiffness of unspecified foot, not elsewhere classifiedBillableM25.69Stiffness of other specified joint, not elsewhere classifiedBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is M25.6 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, M25.6 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does M25.6 mean?

M25.6 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Stiffness of joint, not elsewhere classified". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of M25.6?

The parent code of M25.6 is M25 ("Other joint disorder, not elsewhere classified"). M25.6 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is M25.6 in?

M25.6 is located in Section M20-M25 — "Other joint disorders" within Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of M25.6?

M25.6 has 9 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: M25.60, M25.61, M25.62, M25.63, M25.64 and more.

When should I use M25.6?

Use M25.6 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Stiffness of joint, not elsewhere classified" 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 Stiffness of joint, not elsewhere classified?

The ICD-10-CM code for Stiffness of joint, not elsewhere classified is M25.6.

Can M25.6 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, M25.6 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is M25.6 in?

M25.6 is in Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What conditions are excluded from M25.6?

Type 1 Excludes for M25.6 include: ankylosis of joint (M24.6-); contracture of joint (M24.5-).

Is M25.6 valid for 2026?

Yes, M25.6 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousM25.59Pain in other specified jointNext →M25.60Stiffness of unspecified joint, not elsewhere classified
Code Details
M25.6
Stiffness of joint, not elsewhere classified
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
13 — Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99)
M20-M25 — Other joint disorders
2026 ICD-10-CM