M43.21
Billable

Fusion of spine, occipito-atlanto-axial region

Billable / Specific Code

What is Fusion of spine, occipito-atlanto-axial region?

ICD-10-CM M43.21 is the diagnosis code for Fusion of spine, occipito-atlanto-axial region. 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 M43.21

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 M43.21 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Current CodeM43.21 — Fusion of spine, occipito-atlanto-axial region
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is M43.21 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

Yes, M43.21 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

What does M43.21 mean?

M43.21 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Fusion of spine, occipito-atlanto-axial region". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of M43.21?

The parent code of M43.21 is M43.2 ("Fusion of spine"). M43.21 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is M43.21 in?

M43.21 is located in Section M40-M43 — "Deforming dorsopathies" within Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

When should I use M43.21?

Use M43.21 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Fusion of spine, occipito-atlanto-axial region" 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 Fusion of spine, occipito-atlanto-axial region?

The ICD-10-CM code for Fusion of spine, occipito-atlanto-axial region is M43.21.

Can M43.21 be used for primary diagnosis?

Yes, M43.21 can be used as a primary diagnosis code since it is billable and specific.

What chapter is M43.21 in?

M43.21 is in Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

Is M43.21 valid for 2026?

Yes, M43.21 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousM43.20Fusion of spine, site unspecifiedNext →M43.22Fusion of spine, cervical region
Code Details
M43.21
Fusion of spine, occipito-atlanto-axial region
Billable / Specific Code
13 — Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99)
M40-M43 — Deforming dorsopathies
2026 ICD-10-CM