2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M15.3Secondary multiple arthritis

ICD-10-CM Codes›M00–M99›M15-M19›M15

ICD-10-CM M15.3
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

M15.3 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for secondary multiple arthritis. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2027 (October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027) and groups to MS-DRG 553 through 554. Coders also document this condition as secondary multiple arthrosis. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Osteoarthritis.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
M15.3
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Secondary multiple arthritis
Short Description
Secondary multiple arthritis
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
M15
Polyosteoarthritis

Code Classification

ChapterM00–M99Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
SectionM15-M19Osteoarthritis
CategoryM15Polyosteoarthritis
This CodeM15.3Secondary multiple arthritis

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Secondary multiple arthrosis

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to M15.3: its own notes plus those printed at M15, block M00-M25, block M15-M19, and Chapter 13. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Includes

Further defines, or gives examples of, the content of the category.

From M15 Polyosteoarthritis applies to 7 codes
  • arthritis of multiple sites
From Block M00-M25 applies to 2,249 codes
  • Disorders affecting predominantly peripheral (limb) joints

Applicable To

Conditions this code is used for: synonyms of the title or, for "other specified" codes, the conditions assigned to it. The list is not exhaustive.

  • Post-traumatic polyosteoarthritis

Excludes1

Not coded here: the excluded code is never reported together with this one, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

From M15 Polyosteoarthritis applies to 7 codes
  • bilateral involvement of single joint (M16-M19)

Excludes2

Not included here: the excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, so both codes may be reported.

From Block M15-M19 Osteoarthritis applies to 98 codes
  • osteoarthritis of spine (M47.-)
From Chapter 13 (M00-M99) Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue applies to 6,687 codes
  • arthropathic psoriasis (L40.5-)
  • certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P04-P96)
  • certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)
  • compartment syndrome (traumatic) (T79.A-)
  • complications of pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A)
  • congenital malformations, deformations, and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99)
  • endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E88)
  • injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
  • neoplasms (C00-D49)
  • symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R94)

Notes

General instructions on how these codes are used.

From Chapter 13 (M00-M99) Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue applies to 6,687 codes
  • Use an external cause code following the code for the musculoskeletal condition, if applicable, to identify the cause of the musculoskeletal condition

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.

Referenced in Other NotesGuidance

Instructional notes printed at other codes that name M15.3, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes1 5

These codes carry an Excludes1 note naming M15.3: they are not reported together with it, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

  • M19 Other and unspecified osteoarthritis
    polyarthritis (M15.-) names M15.-, which includes this code
  • M12 Other and unspecified arthropathy
    arthrosis (M15-M19) names M15-M19, which includes this code
  • M13 Other arthritis
    arthrosis (M15-M19) names M15-M19, which includes this code
  • M13 Other arthritis
    osteoarthritis (M15-M19) names M15-M19, which includes this code
  • M13.8 Other specified arthritis
    osteoarthritis (M15-M19) names M15-M19, which includes this code

Index to Diseases and InjuriesGuidance

Alphabetical index entries that point to this code.

Clinical ClassificationClinical

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

CCSR MUS006
Osteoarthritis
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Patient EducationClinical

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, sometimes called OA, is a type of arthritis that only affects the joints, usually in the hands, knees, hips, neck, and lower back. It's the most common type of arthritis.

The full article covers:

  • What is osteoarthritis?
  • What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
  • What causes osteoarthritis?
  • Who is more likely to develop osteoarthritis?
  • How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?
  • What are the treatments for osteoarthritis?

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

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

Convert M15.3 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
715.89 Osteoarthrosis-mult site
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 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About M15.3Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for secondary multiple arthritis?

The ICD-10-CM code for secondary multiple arthritis is M15.3 (sometimes written as M153). It is billable on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Is M15.3 (Polyosteoarthritis) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report secondary multiple arthritis on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

What MS-DRG does M15.3 group to?

When secondary multiple arthritis is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 554, 553, with relative weights from 0.8328 to 1.2492 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of M15.3?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, secondary multiple arthritis converts to ICD-9-CM 715.89 (osteoarthrosis-mult site). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.