2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M25.529Pain in unspecified elbow

ICD-10-CM Codes›M00–M99›M20-M25›M25

ICD-10-CM M25.529
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

M25.529 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for pain in unspecified elbow. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 555 through 556. Coders also document this condition as elbow joint - painful on movement. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Musculoskeletal pain, not low back pain.

This medical diagnosis code is frequently used in Family Practice and Internal Medicine medical specialties to designate conditions such pain in joint.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
M25.529
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Pain in unspecified elbow
Short Description
Pain in unspecified elbow
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
M25.52
Pain in elbow

Code Classification

ChapterM00–M99Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
SectionM20-M25Other joint disorders
CategoryM25Other joint disorder, not elsewhere classified
This CodeM25.529Pain in unspecified elbow

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Elbow joint - painful on movement
  • Pain of elbow region
  • Pain of joint of elbow
  • Tenderness of elbow joint
  • Tenderness of upper limb

Clinical ClassificationClinical

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

CCSR MUS010
Musculoskeletal pain, not low back pain
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 M25.529 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
719.42 Joint pain-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 M25.529Overview

Is M25.529 (Pain in elbow) a billable code?

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

What MS-DRG does M25.529 group to?

When pain in unspecified elbow is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 555, 556, with relative weights from 0.8306 to 1.3218 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of M25.529?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, pain in unspecified elbow converts to ICD-9-CM 719.42 (joint pain-up/arm). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.

Footnotes

[1] Not chronic - A diagnosis code that does not fit the criteria for chronic condition (duration, ongoing medical treatment, and limitations) is considered not chronic. Some codes designated as not chronic are acute conditions. Other diagnosis codes that indicate a possible chronic condition, but for which the duration of the illness is not specified in the code description (i.e., we do not know the condition has lasted 12 months or longer) also are considered not chronic.