2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M25.60Stiffness of unspecified joint, not elsewhere classified

ICD-10-CM Codes›M00–M99›M20-M25›M25

ICD-10-CM M25.60
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

M25.60 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for stiffness of unspecified joint, not elsewhere classified. 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. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Musculoskeletal pain, not low back pain.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
M25.60
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Stiffness of unspecified joint, not elsewhere classified
Short Description
Stiffness of unspecified joint, not elsewhere classified
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
M25.6
Stiffness of joint, not elsewhere classified

Code Classification

ChapterM00–M99Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
SectionM20-M25Other joint disorders
CategoryM25Other joint disorder, not elsewhere classified
This CodeM25.60Stiffness of unspecified joint, not elsewhere classified

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Active range of joint movement reduced
  • Decreased circumduction
  • Decreased passive range of lumbar spine right lateral flexion
  • Immobility stiffness
  • Joint stiffness
  • Joint stiffness of spine
  • Lumbar spine stiff
  • Morning stiffness - joint
  • Multiple stiff joints
  • Passive range of lumbar spine right lateral flexion - finding
  • Range of lumbar spine right lateral flexion - finding
  • Sacroiliac joint stiff
  • Short stature, unique facies, enamel hypoplasia, progressive joint stiffness, high-pitched voice syndrome
  • Stiff back
  • Stiff legs
  • Stiff limbs
  • Temporomandibular joint stiff
  • Thoracic spine stiff

Index to Diseases and InjuriesGuidance

Alphabetical index entries that point to this code.

External Cause of Injuries IndexGuidance

References for this code in the External Cause of Injuries Index.

    • Stiffness, joint NEC

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

Clinical InformationClinical

  • FACIT-Searchable Item Library Adult Version - Joint Stiffness/Tight Limits Activ|FSIL-Joint Stiffness/Tight Limits Activ|FSIL-Joint Stiffness/Tight Limits Activ|FSIL0413

    functional assessment of chronic illness therapy-searchable item library adult version (facit-searchable item library adult version) joint stiffness or tightness limits my usual activities.

  • Joint Stiffness

    a sensation of discomfort and tightness while moving a joint. typically there is decreased joint range of motion. causes include arthritis, joint overuse, joint injury, and the aging process.

  • Level of Joint Stiffness|Joint Stiffness|Your level of joint stiffness is

    a question about the level of joint stiffness experienced by an individual.

  • Level of Joint Stiffness Question|Joint Stiffness|Level of Joint Stiffness|Your level of joint stiffness is

    a question about the level of joint stiffness experienced by an individual.

Patient EducationClinical

Joint Disorders

Your joints are places where two or more bones come together. Your shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and knuckles are all joints. Your spine has joints, too.

The full article covers:

  • What are joints?
  • What are joint disorders?
  • What diseases can affect the joints?
  • What types of joint disorders happen from sudden injuries?
  • What types of joint disorders happen from overuse?
  • How can I keep my joints healthy?

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

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

Convert M25.60 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
719.50 Jt stiffness NEC-unspec
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 M25.60Overview

Is M25.60 (Stiffness of joint, not elsewhere classified) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report stiffness of unspecified joint, not elsewhere classified on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What MS-DRG does M25.60 group to?

When stiffness of unspecified joint, not elsewhere classified 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 M25.60?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, stiffness of unspecified joint, not elsewhere classified converts to ICD-9-CM 719.50 (jt stiffness NEC-unspec). 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.