2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M12.429Intermittent hydrarthrosis, unspecified elbow

ICD-10-CM Codes›M00–M99›M05-M14›M12

ICD-10-CM M12.429
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

M12.429 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for intermittent hydrarthrosis, unspecified elbow. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 553 through 554. Coders also document this condition as elbow joint effusion. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Other specified joint disorders.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
M12.429
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Intermittent hydrarthrosis, unspecified elbow
Short Description
Intermittent hydrarthrosis, unspecified elbow
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
M12.42
Intermittent hydrarthrosis, elbow

Code Classification

ChapterM00–M99Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
SectionM05-M14Inflammatory polyarthropathies
CategoryM12Other and unspecified arthropathy
This CodeM12.429Intermittent hydrarthrosis, unspecified elbow

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Elbow joint effusion
  • Intermittent effusion of joint of elbow

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR MUS007
Other specified joint disorders
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Patient EducationClinical

Joint Disorders

Your joints are places where two or more bones come together. Your shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and knuckles are all joints. Your spine has joints, too.

The full article covers:

  • What are joints?
  • What are joint disorders?
  • What diseases can affect the joints?
  • What types of joint disorders happen from sudden injuries?
  • What types of joint disorders happen from overuse?
  • How can I keep my joints healthy?

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Convert M12.429 to ICD-9-CMHistory

The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.

ICD-9-CM
719.32 Palindrom rheum-up/arm
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About M12.429Overview

Is M12.429 (Intermittent hydrarthrosis, elbow) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report intermittent hydrarthrosis, unspecified elbow on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What MS-DRG does M12.429 group to?

When intermittent hydrarthrosis, unspecified elbow is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 553, 554, with relative weights from 0.8301 to 1.2963 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of M12.429?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, intermittent hydrarthrosis, unspecified elbow converts to ICD-9-CM 719.32 (palindrom rheum-up/arm). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.

Footnotes

[1] Chronic - a chronic condition code indicates a condition lasting 12 months or longer and its effect on the patient based on one or both of the following criteria:

  • The condition results in the need for ongoing intervention with medical products,treatment, services, and special equipment
  • The condition places limitations on self-care, independent living, and social interactions.