M42.9
Billable

Spinal osteochondrosis, unspecified

Billable / Specific Code

What is Spinal osteochondrosis, unspecified?

ICD-10-CM M42.9 is the diagnosis code for Spinal osteochondrosis, unspecified. This code falls under the section "Deforming dorsopathies" within Chapter 13 — Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99). It is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. 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 M42.9

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 M42.9 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is M42.9 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

Yes, M42.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

What does M42.9 mean?

M42.9 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Spinal osteochondrosis, unspecified". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of M42.9?

The parent code of M42.9 is M42 ("Spinal osteochondrosis"). M42.9 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is M42.9 in?

M42.9 is located in Section M40-M43 — "Deforming dorsopathies" within Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

When should I use M42.9?

Use M42.9 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Spinal osteochondrosis, unspecified" 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 Spinal osteochondrosis, unspecified?

The ICD-10-CM code for Spinal osteochondrosis, unspecified is M42.9.

Can M42.9 be used for primary diagnosis?

Yes, M42.9 can be used as a primary diagnosis code since it is billable and specific.

What chapter is M42.9 in?

M42.9 is in Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

Is M42.9 valid for 2026?

Yes, M42.9 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousM42.19Adult osteochondrosis of spine, multiple sites in spineNext →M43Other deforming dorsopathies
Code Details
M42.9
Spinal osteochondrosis, unspecified
Billable / Specific Code
13 — Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99)
M40-M43 — Deforming dorsopathies
2026 ICD-10-CM