2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M48.8X9Other specified spondylopathies, site unspecified
ICD-10-CM Codes›M00–M99›M45-M49›M48
- Billable — Valid for Submission
- Chronic Condition
M48.8X9 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for other specified spondylopathies, site unspecified. 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. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Rheumatoid arthritis and related disease and Spondylopathies/spondyloarthropathy (including infective).
Code Identity
Code Classification
Approximate SynonymsGuidance
Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.
- Calcification of ligament
- Disorder of vertebra
- Facet asymmetry
- Finding of movement of bone
- Finding of movement of vertebral bone
- Heterotopic ossification of joint
- Lateral flexed vertebral body
- Ossification of anterior longitudinal ligament of spine
- Ossification of ligamentum flavum
- Ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament
- Ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament and ligamentum flavum
- Ossification of spinal ligament
- Retrolisthesis
- Rotation of vertebra
- Spinal cord compression due to degenerative disorder of spinal column
- Step-off
Clinical ClassificationClinical
AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.
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
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:
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Convert M48.8X9 to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About M48.8X9Overview
Is M48.8X9 (Other specified spondylopathies) a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report other specified spondylopathies, site unspecified on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What MS-DRG does M48.8X9 group to?
When other specified spondylopathies, site unspecified 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 M48.8X9?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, other specified spondylopathies, site unspecified 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.
