M49
Non-Billable

Spondylopathies in diseases classified elsewhere

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Spondylopathies in diseases classified elsewhere?

ICD-10-CM M49 is the diagnosis code for Spondylopathies in diseases classified elsewhere. 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.

⛔ Excludes1

Coding Guidelines for M49

⛔ Type 1 Excludes (Never code together)

The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as M49. They are mutually exclusive:

  • curvature of spine in tuberculosis [Pott's] (A18.01)
  • enteropathic arthropathies (M07.-)
  • gonococcal spondylitis (A54.41)
  • neuropathic [tabes dorsalis] spondylitis (A52.11)
  • neuropathic spondylopathy in syringomyelia (G95.0)
  • neuropathic spondylopathy in tabes dorsalis (A52.11)
  • nonsyphilitic neuropathic spondylopathy NEC (G98.0)
  • spondylitis in syphilis (acquired) (A52.77)
  • tuberculous spondylitis (A18.01)
  • typhoid fever spondylitis (A01.05)

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where M49 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Current CodeM49 — Spondylopathies in diseases classified elsewhere
Sub-Codes (1)
Sub-Codes 1 entries
M49.8Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhereNon-BillableM49.80Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere, site unspecifiedBillableM49.81Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere, occipito-atlanto-axial regionBillableM49.82Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere, cervical regionBillableM49.83Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere, cervicothoracic regionBillableM49.84Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere, thoracic regionBillableM49.85Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere, thoracolumbar regionBillableM49.86Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere, lumbar regionBillableM49.87Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere, lumbosacral regionBillableM49.88Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere, sacral and sacrococcygeal regionBillableM49.89Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere, multiple sites in spineBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is M49 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, M49 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does M49 mean?

M49 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Spondylopathies in diseases classified elsewhere". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What section is M49 in?

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

What are the sub-codes of M49?

M49 has 1 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: M49.8.

When should I use M49?

Use M49 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Spondylopathies in diseases classified elsewhere" 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 Spondylopathies in diseases classified elsewhere?

The ICD-10-CM code for Spondylopathies in diseases classified elsewhere is M49.

Can M49 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, M49 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is M49 in?

M49 is in Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What conditions are excluded from M49?

Type 1 Excludes for M49 include: curvature of spine in tuberculosis [Pott's] (A18.01); enteropathic arthropathies (M07.-); gonococcal spondylitis (A54.41) and more.

Is M49 valid for 2026?

Yes, M49 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousM48.9Spondylopathy, unspecifiedNext →M49.8Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere
Code Details
M49
Spondylopathies in diseases classified elsewhere
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
13 — Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99)
M45-M49 — Spondylopathies
2026 ICD-10-CM