2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M42.12Adult osteochondrosis of spine, cervical region

ICD-10-CM Codes›M00–M99›M40-M43›M42

ICD-10-CM M42.12
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

M42.12 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for adult osteochondrosis of spine, cervical region. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 553 through 554. The code is restricted by the Medicare Code Editor to adult patients (age 15 through 124). Coders also document this condition as adult osteochondrosis of cervical spine. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Scoliosis and other postural dorsopathic deformities.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
M42.12
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Adult osteochondrosis of spine, cervical region
Short Description
Adult osteochondrosis of spine, cervical region
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
M42.1
Adult osteochondrosis of spine

Code Classification

ChapterM00–M99Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
SectionM40-M43Deforming dorsopathies
CategoryM42Spinal osteochondrosis
This CodeM42.12Adult osteochondrosis of spine, cervical region

Code EditsBilling

Medicare Code Editor checks that affect claim validity for M42.12.

Adult diagnoses
The Medicare Code Editor detects inconsistencies in adult cases by checking a patient's age and any diagnosis on the patient's record. The adult code edits apply to patients age range is 15–124 years inclusive (e.g., senile delirium, mature cataract).

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Adult osteochondrosis of cervical spine
  • Adult osteochondrosis of spine

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.

    • Osteochondrosis
      • spine
        • adult
          • cervical region

Clinical ClassificationClinical

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

CCSR MUS022
Scoliosis and other postural dorsopathic deformities
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Patient EducationClinical

Neck Injuries and Disorders

Any part of your neck - muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, or nerves - can cause neck problems. Neck pain is very common. Pain may also come from your shoulder, jaw, head, or upper arms.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

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

Convert M42.12 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
732.8 Osteochondropathy NEC
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 M42.12Overview

Is M42.12 (Adult osteochondrosis of spine) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report adult osteochondrosis of spine, cervical region on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What MS-DRG does M42.12 group to?

When adult osteochondrosis of spine, cervical region is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 553, 554, with relative weights from 0.8301 to 1.2963 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

Who can M42.12 be reported for?

The Medicare Code Editor checks adult osteochondrosis of spine, cervical region against patient demographics: this code is intended for adult patients (age 15 through 124). Claims outside these limits are flagged as inconsistent.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of M42.12?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, adult osteochondrosis of spine, cervical region converts to ICD-9-CM 732.8 (osteochondropathy NEC). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.

Footnotes

[1] Chronic - a chronic condition code indicates a condition lasting 12 months or longer and its effect on the patient based on one or both of the following criteria:

  • The condition results in the need for ongoing intervention with medical products,treatment, services, and special equipment
  • The condition places limitations on self-care, independent living, and social interactions.