2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M48.8X6Other specified spondylopathies, lumbar region

ICD-10-CM Codes›M00–M99›M45-M49›M48

ICD-10-CM M48.8X6
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

M48.8X6 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for other specified spondylopathies, lumbar 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 lumbar 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
M48.8X6
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Other specified spondylopathies, lumbar region
Short Description
Other specified spondylopathies, lumbar 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 CodeM48.8X6Other specified spondylopathies, lumbar region

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Arthropathy of lumbar facet joint

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

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 M48.8X6 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 M48.8X6Overview

Is M48.8X6 (Other specified spondylopathies) a billable code?

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

What MS-DRG does M48.8X6 group to?

When other specified spondylopathies, lumbar 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 M48.8X6?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, other specified spondylopathies, lumbar 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.