2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M12.521Traumatic arthropathy, right elbow

ICD-10-CM Codes›M00–M99›M05-M14›M12

ICD-10-CM M12.521
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

M12.521 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for traumatic arthropathy, right 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. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Traumatic arthropathy.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
M12.521
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Traumatic arthropathy, right elbow
Short Description
Traumatic arthropathy, right elbow
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
M12.52
Traumatic arthropathy, elbow

Code Classification

ChapterM00–M99Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
SectionM05-M14Inflammatory polyarthropathies
CategoryM12Other and unspecified arthropathy
This CodeM12.521Traumatic arthropathy, right elbow

Clinical ClassificationClinical

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

CCSR MUS031
Traumatic arthropathy
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Patient EducationClinical

Elbow Injuries and Disorders

Your elbow joint is made up of bone, cartilage, ligaments and fluid. Muscles and tendons help the elbow joint move. When any of these structures is hurt or diseased, you have elbow problems.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

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

Convert M12.521 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
716.12 Traum arthropathy-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 M12.521Overview

Is M12.521 (Traumatic arthropathy, elbow) a billable code?

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

What MS-DRG does M12.521 group to?

When traumatic arthropathy, right 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 M12.521?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, traumatic arthropathy, right elbow converts to ICD-9-CM 716.12 (traum arthropathy-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.