2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M49Spondylopathies in diseases classified elsewhere
M49 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for spondylopathies in diseases classified elsewhere, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as M49.80, M49.81, M49.82, and M49.83.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Specific Coding for Spondylopathies in diseases classified elsewhereOverview
Non-specific codes like M49 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:
M49.8 for Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere
Use M49.80 for Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere, site unspecified
Use M49.81 for Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere, occipito-atlanto-axial region
Use M49.82 for Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere, cervical region
Use M49.83 for Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere, cervicothoracic region
Use M49.84 for Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere, thoracic region
Use M49.85 for Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere, thoracolumbar region
Use M49.86 for Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere, lumbar region
Use M49.87 for Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere, lumbosacral region
Use M49.88 for Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere, sacral and sacrococcygeal region
Use M49.89 for Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere, multiple sites in spine
Tabular List NotesGuidance
Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.
Includes
- curvature of spine in diseases classified elsewhere
- deformity of spine in diseases classified elsewhere
- kyphosis in diseases classified elsewhere
- scoliosis in diseases classified elsewhere
- spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere
Code First
- underlying disease, such as:
- brucellosis A23
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease G60.0
- enterobacterial infections A01 A04
- osteitis fibrosa cystica E21.0
Type 1 Excludes
- curvature of spine in tuberculosis Pott's A18.01
- enteropathic arthropathies M07
- gonococcal spondylitis A54.41
- neuropathic tabes dorsalis spondylitis A52.11
- neuropathic spondylopathy in syringomyelia G95.0
- neuropathic spondylopathy in tabes dorsalis A52.11
- nonsyphilitic neuropathic spondylopathy NEC G98.0
- spondylitis in syphilis acquired A52.77
- tuberculous spondylitis A18.01
- typhoid fever spondylitis A01.05
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
Certain conditions have both an underlying etiology and multiple body system manifestations due to the underlying etiology. For such conditions, the ICD-10-CM has a coding convention that requires the underlying condition be sequenced first followed by the manifestation. Wherever such a combination exists, there is a "use additional code" note at the etiology code, and a "code first" note at the manifestation code. These instructional notes indicate the proper sequencing order of the codes, etiology followed by manifestation.
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
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.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About M49Overview
Is M49 (Spondylopathies in diseases classified elsewhere) a billable code?
No. This is a category header that groups the codes for spondylopathies in diseases classified elsewhere, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for spondylopathies in diseases classified elsewhere need a more specific code from this category, such as M49.80, M49.81, and M49.82.
