2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M36.8Systemic disorders of connective tissue in other diseases classified elsewhere
ICD-10-CM Codes›M00–M99›M30-M36›M36
- Billable — Valid for Submission
- Not Chronic
M36.8 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for systemic disorders of connective tissue in other diseases classified elsewhere. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 545 through 547. The code is a manifestation code that cannot be reported as the principal diagnosis. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Systemic lupus erythematosus and connective tissue disorders.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Code EditsBilling
Medicare Code Editor checks that affect claim validity for M36.8.
Tabular List NotesGuidance
Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.
Code First
Certain conditions have both an underlying etiology and multiple body system manifestations due to the underlying etiology. For such conditions, the ICD-10-CM has a coding convention that requires the underlying condition be sequenced first followed by the manifestation. Wherever such a combination exists, there is a "use additional code" note at the etiology code, and a "code first" note at the manifestation code. These instructional notes indicate the proper sequencing order of the codes, etiology followed by manifestation.
Clinical ClassificationClinical
AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.
Patient EducationClinical
Connective Tissue Disorders
Your connective tissue supports many different parts of your body, such as your skin, eyes, and heart. It is like a "cellular glue" that gives your body parts their shape and helps keep them strong. It also helps some of your tissues do their work. It is made of many kinds of proteins. Cartilage and fat are types of connective tissue.
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Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Convert M36.8 to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About M36.8Overview
Is M36.8 a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report systemic disorders of connective tissue in other diseases classified elsewhere on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What MS-DRG does M36.8 group to?
On inpatient claims, systemic disorders of connective tissue in other diseases classified elsewhere maps to MS-DRG 545, 546, 547, with relative weights from 0.8362 to 2.4817 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.
Can M36.8 be a principal diagnosis?
No. This is a manifestation code: systemic disorders of connective tissue in other diseases classified elsewhere describes the manifestation of an underlying disease rather than the disease itself, so the underlying condition is sequenced first.
What is the ICD-9 equivalent of M36.8?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, systemic disorders of connective tissue in other diseases classified elsewhere converts to ICD-9-CM 710.9 (diff connect tis dis 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.
