ICD-10-CM M42 is the diagnosis code for Spinal osteochondrosis. This code falls under the section "Deforming dorsopathies" 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.
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.
Understanding where M42 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:
No, M42 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.
M42 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Spinal osteochondrosis". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.
M42 is located in Section M40-M43 — "Deforming dorsopathies" within Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
M42 has 3 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: M42.0, M42.1, M42.9.
Use M42 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Spinal osteochondrosis" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.
The ICD-10-CM code for Spinal osteochondrosis is M42.
No, M42 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.
M42 is in Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
Yes, M42 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.