M54.8
Non-Billable

Other dorsalgia

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Other dorsalgia?

ICD-10-CM M54.8 is the diagnosis code for Other dorsalgia. This code falls under the section "Other 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.

⛔ Excludes1

Coding Guidelines for M54.8

⛔ Type 1 Excludes (Never code together)

The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as M54.8. They are mutually exclusive:

  • dorsalgia in thoracic region (M54.6)
  • low back pain (M54.5-)

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where M54.8 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 2 entries
M54.81Occipital neuralgiaBillableM54.89Other dorsalgiaBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is M54.8 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, M54.8 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does M54.8 mean?

M54.8 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Other dorsalgia". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of M54.8?

The parent code of M54.8 is M54 ("Dorsalgia"). M54.8 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is M54.8 in?

M54.8 is located in Section M50-M54 — "Other dorsopathies" within Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of M54.8?

M54.8 has 2 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: M54.81, M54.89.

When should I use M54.8?

Use M54.8 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Other dorsalgia" 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 Other dorsalgia?

The ICD-10-CM code for Other dorsalgia is M54.8.

Can M54.8 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, M54.8 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is M54.8 in?

M54.8 is in Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What conditions are excluded from M54.8?

Type 1 Excludes for M54.8 include: dorsalgia in thoracic region (M54.6); low back pain (M54.5-).

Is M54.8 valid for 2026?

Yes, M54.8 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousM54.6Pain in thoracic spineNext →M54.81Occipital neuralgia
Code Details
M54.8
Other dorsalgia
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
13 — Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99)
M50-M54 — Other dorsopathies
2026 ICD-10-CM