2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M26.609Unspecified temporomandibular joint disorder, unspecified side

ICD-10-CM Codes›M00–M99›M26-M27›M26

ICD-10-CM M26.609
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

M26.609 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for unspecified temporomandibular joint disorder, unspecified side. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 157 through 159. Coders also document this condition as chronic headache due to disorder. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Any dental condition including traumatic injury, Disorders of jaw, and Nontraumatic dental conditions.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
M26.609
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Unspecified temporomandibular joint disorder, unspecified side
Short Description
Unspecified TMJ joint disorder, unspecified side
Parent Code
M26.60
Temporomandibular joint disorder, unspecified

Code Classification

ChapterM00–M99Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
SectionM26-M27Dentofacial anomalies [including malocclusion] and other disorders of jaw
CategoryM26Dentofacial anomalies [including malocclusion]
This CodeM26.609Unspecified temporomandibular joint disorder, unspecified side

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Chronic headache due to disorder
  • Chronic headache due to disorder of temporomandibular joint
  • Chronic orofacial pain
  • Chronic orofacial pain due to disorder
  • Chronic orofacial pain due to temporomandibular joint disorder
  • Chronic pain in face
  • Left temporomandibular joint disorder
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Inclusion Terms

  • Temporomandibular joint disorder NOS

Clinical ClassificationClinical

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

CCSR DEN001
Any dental condition including traumatic injury
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient No · outpatient No
CCSR MUS029
Disorders of jaw
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes
CCSR DEN002
Nontraumatic dental conditions
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient No · outpatient No

Patient EducationClinical

Temporomandibular Disorders

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of more than 30 conditions that affect your temporomandibular joints (TMJs). You have two TMJs; one on each side of your jaw. They connect your lower jaw to your skull.

The full article covers:

  • What are temporomandibular disorders (TMDs)?
  • What causes temporomandibular disorders (TMDs)?
  • Who is more likely to develop a temporomandibular disorder (TMD)?
  • What are the symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs)?
  • How are temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) diagnosed?
  • What are the treatments for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs)?

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

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

Convert M26.609 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
524.60 TMJ disorders NOS
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.

Code History & ChangesHistory

Replacement M26.609 replaces the following previously assigned code(s):

  • M26.60 - Temporomandibular joint disorder, unspecified
FY 2018AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2017.
FY 2019–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About M26.609Overview

Is M26.609 (Temporomandibular joint disorder, unspecified) a billable code?

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

What MS-DRG does M26.609 group to?

When unspecified temporomandibular joint disorder, unspecified side is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 157, 158, 159, with relative weights from 0.7085 to 1.7168 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of M26.609?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, unspecified temporomandibular joint disorder, unspecified side converts to ICD-9-CM 524.60 (TMJ disorders NOS). 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.