Version 2024

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M94

Other disorders of cartilage

ICD-10-CM Code:
M94
ICD-10 Code for:
Other disorders of cartilage
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
    (M00–M99)
    • Chondropathies
      (M91-M94)
      • Other disorders of cartilage
        (M94)

M94 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of other disorders of cartilage. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Other disorders of cartilage

Non-specific codes like M94 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for other disorders of cartilage:

  • Use M94.0 for Chondrocostal junction syndrome [Tietze] - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M94.1 for Relapsing polychondritis - BILLABLE CODE

  • M94.2 for Chondromalacia - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M94.20 for Chondromalacia, unspecified site - BILLABLE CODE

  • M94.21 for Chondromalacia, shoulder - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • M94.22 for Chondromalacia, elbow - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • M94.23 for Chondromalacia, wrist - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • M94.24 for Chondromalacia, joints of hand - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • M94.25 for Chondromalacia, hip - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • M94.26 for Chondromalacia, knee - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • M94.27 for Chondromalacia, ankle and joints of foot - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M94.28 for Chondromalacia, other site - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M94.29 for Chondromalacia, multiple sites - BILLABLE CODE

  • M94.3 for Chondrolysis - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • M94.35 for Chondrolysis, hip - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • M94.8 for Other specified disorders of cartilage - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • M94.8X for Other specified disorders of cartilage - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M94.9 for Disorder of cartilage, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

Patient Education


Cartilage Disorders

Cartilage is the tough but flexible tissue that covers the ends of your bones at a joint. It also gives shape and support to other parts of your body, such as your ears, nose and windpipe. Healthy cartilage helps you move by allowing your bones to glide over each other. It also protects bones by preventing them from rubbing against each other.

Injured, inflamed, or damaged cartilage can cause symptoms such as pain and limited movement. It can also lead to joint damage and deformity. Causes of cartilage problems include :

  • Tears and injuries, such as sports injuries
  • Genetic factors
  • Other disorders, such as some types of arthritis

Osteoarthritis results from breakdown of cartilage.

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.