2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M24.121Other articular cartilage disorders, right elbow

ICD-10-CM Codes›M00–M99›M20-M25›M24

ICD-10-CM M24.121
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

M24.121 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for other articular cartilage disorders, right elbow. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2027 (October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027) and groups to MS-DRG 562 through 563. Coders also document this condition as articular cartilage disorder of elbow. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Other specified joint disorders.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
M24.121
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Other articular cartilage disorders, right elbow
Short Description
Other articular cartilage disorders, right elbow
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
M24.12
Other articular cartilage disorders, elbow

Code Classification

ChapterM00–M99Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
SectionM20-M25Other joint disorders
CategoryM24Other specific joint derangements
This CodeM24.121Other articular cartilage disorders, right elbow

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Articular cartilage disorder of elbow
  • Articular cartilage disorder of joint of right elbow

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to M24.121: its own notes plus those printed at M24.1, M24, block M00-M25, block M20-M25, 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 Block M00-M25 applies to 2,249 codes
  • Disorders affecting predominantly peripheral (limb) joints

Excludes1

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

From M24 Other specific joint derangements applies to 205 codes
  • current injury - see injury of joint by body region

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 M24.1 Other articular cartilage disorders applies to 23 codes
From M24 Other specific joint derangements applies to 205 codes
From Block M20-M25 Other joint disorders applies to 719 codes
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.

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

Cartilage Disorders

Cartilage is the tough but flexible tissue that covers the ends of your bones at a joint. It also gives shape and support to other parts of your body, such as your ears, nose and windpipe. Healthy cartilage helps you move by allowing your bones to glide over each other.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

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

Convert M24.121 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
718.02 Artic cartil dis-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 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About M24.121Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for other articular cartilage disorders, right elbow?

The ICD-10-CM code for other articular cartilage disorders, right elbow is M24.121 (sometimes written as M24121). It is billable on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Is M24.121 (Other articular cartilage disorders, elbow) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report other articular cartilage disorders, right elbow on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

What MS-DRG does M24.121 group to?

When other articular cartilage disorders, right elbow is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 563, 562, with relative weights from 0.8982 to 1.3981 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of M24.121?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, other articular cartilage disorders, right elbow converts to ICD-9-CM 718.02 (artic cartil dis-up/arm). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.