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  6. 2024 ICD-10-CM Code M79.A
Version 2024
Non-Billable Code

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M79.A

Nontraumatic compartment syndrome

ICD-10-CM Code:
M79.A
ICD-10 Code for:
Nontraumatic compartment syndrome
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
    (M00–M99)
    • Other soft tissue disorders
      (M70-M79)
      • Other and unspecified soft tissue disorders, not elsewhere classified
        (M79)

M79.A is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of nontraumatic compartment syndrome. 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 Nontraumatic compartment syndrome

Non-specific codes like M79.A 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 nontraumatic compartment syndrome:

  • M79.A1 for Nontraumatic compartment syndrome of upper extremity - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M79.A11 for Nontraumatic compartment syndrome of right upper extremity - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M79.A12 for Nontraumatic compartment syndrome of left upper extremity - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M79.A19 for Nontraumatic compartment syndrome of unspecified upper extremity - BILLABLE CODE

  • M79.A2 for Nontraumatic compartment syndrome of lower extremity - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M79.A21 for Nontraumatic compartment syndrome of right lower extremity - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M79.A22 for Nontraumatic compartment syndrome of left lower extremity - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M79.A29 for Nontraumatic compartment syndrome of unspecified lower extremity - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M79.A3 for Nontraumatic compartment syndrome of abdomen - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M79.A9 for Nontraumatic compartment syndrome of other sites - BILLABLE CODE

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The following annotation back-references are applicable to this diagnosis code. The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10-CM codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more.


Code First

Code First
Certain conditions have both an underlying etiology and multiple body system manifestations due to the underlying etiology. For such conditions, the ICD-10-CM has a coding convention that requires the underlying condition be sequenced first followed by the manifestation. Wherever such a combination exists, there is a "use additional code" note at the etiology code, and a "code first" note at the manifestation code. These instructional notes indicate the proper sequencing order of the codes, etiology followed by manifestation.
  • , if applicable, associated postprocedural complication

Type 1 Excludes

Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
  • compartment syndrome NOS T79.A
  • fibromyalgia M79.7
  • nontraumatic ischemic infarction of muscle M62.2
  • traumatic compartment syndrome T79.A

Patient Education


Arm Injuries and Disorders

Of the 206 bones in your body, three of them are in your arm: the humerus, radius, and ulna. Your arms are also made up of muscles, joints, tendons, and other connective tissue. Injuries to any of these parts of the arm can occur during sports, a fall, or an accident.

Types of arm injuries include :

  • Tendinitis and bursitis
  • Sprains
  • Dislocations
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Nerve problems
  • Osteoarthritis

You may also have problems or injure specific parts of your arm, such as your hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Leg Injuries and Disorders

Your legs are made up of bones, blood vessels, muscles, and other connective tissue. They are important for motion and standing. Playing sports, running, falling, or having an accident can damage your legs. Common leg injuries include sprains and strains, joint dislocations, and fractures (broken bones).

These injuries can affect the entire leg, or just the foot, ankle, knee, or hip. Certain diseases also lead to leg problems. For example, knee osteoarthritis, common in older people, can cause pain and limited motion. Problems in your veins in your legs can lead to varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Muscle Disorders

Your muscles help you move and help your body work. Different types of muscles have different jobs. There are many problems that can affect muscles. Muscle disorders can cause weakness, pain or even paralysis.

Causes of muscle disorders include:

  • Injury or overuse, such as sprains or strains, cramps or tendinitis
  • A genetic disorder, such as muscular dystrophy
  • Some cancers
  • Inflammation, such as myositis
  • Diseases of nerves that affect muscles
  • Infections
  • Certain medicines

Sometimes the cause of muscle disorders is unknown.


[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.