2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M42.9Spinal osteochondrosis, unspecified

ICD-10-CM Codes›M00–M99›M40-M43›M42

ICD-10-CM M42.9
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

M42.9 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for spinal osteochondrosis, unspecified. 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. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Scoliosis and other postural dorsopathic deformities.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
M42.9
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Spinal osteochondrosis, unspecified
Short Description
Spinal osteochondrosis, unspecified
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
M42
Spinal osteochondrosis

Code Classification

ChapterM00–M99Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
SectionM40-M43Deforming dorsopathies
CategoryM42Spinal osteochondrosis
This CodeM42.9Spinal osteochondrosis, unspecified

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

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

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Spinal Osteochondrosis

    a bone disorder involving ossification centers (epiphyses) of the vertebral column.

Patient EducationClinical

Spine Injuries and Disorders

Your backbone, or spine, is made up of 26 bone discs called vertebrae. The vertebrae protect your spinal cord and allow you to stand and bend. A number of problems can change the structure of the spine or damage the vertebrae and surrounding tissue. They include:

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

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

Convert M42.9 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
732.9 Osteochondropathy NOS
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 M42.9Overview

Is M42.9 (Spinal osteochondrosis) a billable code?

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

What MS-DRG does M42.9 group to?

When spinal osteochondrosis, unspecified 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.

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

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, spinal osteochondrosis, unspecified converts to ICD-9-CM 732.9 (osteochondropathy NOS). 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.