M48.5
Non-Billable

Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified?

ICD-10-CM M48.5 is the diagnosis code for Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified. 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.

💡 Inclusions
⛔ Excludes1

Coding Guidelines for M48.5

✅ This Code Includes

  • Collapsed vertebra NOS
  • Compression fracture of vertebra NOS
  • Wedging of vertebra NOS

⛔ Type 1 Excludes (Never code together)

The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as M48.5. They are mutually exclusive:

  • current injury - see Injury of spine, by body region
  • fatigue fracture of vertebra (M48.4)
  • pathological fracture of vertebra due to neoplasm (M84.58)
  • pathological fracture of vertebra due to other diagnosis (M84.68)
  • pathological fracture of vertebra due to osteoporosis (M80.-)
  • pathological fracture NOS (M84.4-)
  • stress fracture of vertebra (M48.4-)
  • traumatic fracture of vertebra (S12.-, S22.-, S32.-)

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where M48.5 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 9 entries
M48.50Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, site unspecifiedBillableM48.51Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, occipito-atlanto-axial regionBillableM48.52Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, cervical regionBillableM48.53Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, cervicothoracic regionBillableM48.54Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, thoracic regionBillableM48.55Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, thoracolumbar regionBillableM48.56Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, lumbar regionBillableM48.57Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, lumbosacral regionBillableM48.58Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, sacral and sacrococcygeal regionBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is M48.5 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, M48.5 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does M48.5 mean?

M48.5 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Collapsed vertebra, 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 M48.5?

The parent code of M48.5 is M48 ("Other spondylopathies"). M48.5 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is M48.5 in?

M48.5 is located in Section M45-M49 — "Spondylopathies" within Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of M48.5?

M48.5 has 9 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: M48.50, M48.51, M48.52, M48.53, M48.54 and more.

When should I use M48.5?

Use M48.5 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Collapsed vertebra, 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 Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified?

The ICD-10-CM code for Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified is M48.5.

Can M48.5 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, M48.5 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is M48.5 in?

M48.5 is in Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What conditions are excluded from M48.5?

Type 1 Excludes for M48.5 include: current injury - see Injury of spine, by body region; fatigue fracture of vertebra (M48.4); pathological fracture of vertebra due to neoplasm (M84.58) and more.

Is M48.5 valid for 2026?

Yes, M48.5 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousM48.48Fatigue fracture of vertebra, sacral and sacrococcygeal regionNext →M48.50Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, site unspecified
Code Details
M48.5
Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
13 — Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99)
M45-M49 — Spondylopathies
2026 ICD-10-CM