2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M48.8X2Other specified spondylopathies, cervical region

ICD-10-CM Codes›M00–M99›M45-M49›M48

ICD-10-CM M48.8X2
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

M48.8X2 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for other specified spondylopathies, cervical region. 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. Coders also document this condition as arthropathy of cervical spine facet joint. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Rheumatoid arthritis and related disease and Spondylopathies/spondyloarthropathy (including infective).

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
M48.8X2
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Other specified spondylopathies, cervical region
Short Description
Other specified spondylopathies, cervical region
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
M48.8X
Other specified spondylopathies

Code Classification

ChapterM00–M99Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
SectionM45-M49Spondylopathies
CategoryM48Other spondylopathies
This CodeM48.8X2Other specified spondylopathies, cervical region

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Arthropathy of cervical spine facet joint
  • Calcification of ligament
  • Cervical posterior longitudinal ligament ossification
  • Heterotopic ossification of joint
  • Ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament
  • Ossification of spinal ligament

Clinical ClassificationClinical

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

CCSR MUS003
Rheumatoid arthritis and related disease
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient No · outpatient No
CCSR MUS011
Spondylopathies/spondyloarthropathy (including infective)
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

    a calcification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spinal column, usually at the level of the cervical spine. it is often associated with anterior ankylosing hyperostosis.

  • Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

    a disorder characterized by benign depositions of calcium in the posterior longitudinal ligament. signs and symptoms result from the compression of nerve roots and include motor and sensory disturbances in the lower and upper extremities, and pain in the neck and arms.

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 M48.8X2 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
720.0 Ankylosing spondylitis
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 M48.8X2Overview

Is M48.8X2 (Other specified spondylopathies) a billable code?

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

What MS-DRG does M48.8X2 group to?

When other specified spondylopathies, cervical region is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 545, 546, 547, with relative weights from 0.8362 to 2.4817 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of M48.8X2?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, other specified spondylopathies, cervical region converts to ICD-9-CM 720.0 (ankylosing spondylitis). 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.