2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M24.021Loose body in right elbow

ICD-10-CM Codes›M00–M99›M20-M25›M24

ICD-10-CM M24.021
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

M24.021 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for loose body in right elbow. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 564 through 566. Coders also document this condition as loose body in elbow joint. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Other specified joint disorders.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
M24.021
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Loose body in right elbow
Short Description
Loose body in right elbow
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
M24.02
Loose body in elbow

Code Classification

ChapterM00–M99Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
SectionM20-M25Other joint disorders
CategoryM24Other specific joint derangements
This CodeM24.021Loose body in right elbow

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Loose body in elbow joint
  • Loose body in joint of left elbow
  • Loose body in joint of right elbow
  • Loose body of joint of bilateral elbows

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

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 M24.021 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
718.12 Loose body-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 M24.021Overview

Is M24.021 (Loose body in elbow) a billable code?

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

What MS-DRG does M24.021 group to?

When loose body in right elbow is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 564, 565, 566, with relative weights from 0.7493 to 1.5436 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of M24.021?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, loose body in right elbow converts to ICD-9-CM 718.12 (loose body-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.