2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M50.03Cervical disc disorder with myelopathy, cervicothoracic region

ICD-10-CM Codes›M00–M99›M50-M54›M50

ICD-10-CM M50.03
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

M50.03 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for cervical disc disorder with myelopathy, cervicothoracic region. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 551 through 552. As a secondary diagnosis, it counts as a complication or comorbidity (CC) and moves an inpatient stay to a higher severity level within its MS-DRG family. It does not count, however, when the principal diagnosis is one of 14 closely related codes. Coders also document this condition as cervical myelopathy. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Spondylopathies/spondyloarthropathy (including infective).

This medical diagnosis code is frequently used in Orthopedics medical specialties to designate conditions such cervical spine disorders and displacement.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
M50.03
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Cervical disc disorder with myelopathy, cervicothoracic region
Short Description
Cervical disc disorder w myelopathy, cervicothoracic region
Parent Code
M50.0
Cervical disc disorder with myelopathy

Code Classification

ChapterM00–M99Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
SectionM50-M54Other dorsopathies
CategoryM50Cervical disc disorders
This CodeM50.03Cervical disc disorder with myelopathy, cervicothoracic region

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Cervical myelopathy
  • Cervicothoracic myelopathy due to disc disorder
  • Myelopathy due to intervertebral disc disease

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Inclusion Terms

  • C7-T1 disc disorder with myelopathy

Index to Diseases and InjuriesGuidance

Alphabetical index entries that point to this code.

Clinical ClassificationClinical

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

CCSR MUS011
Spondylopathies/spondyloarthropathy (including infective)
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

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 M50.03 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
722.71 Cerv disc dis w myelopat
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 M50.03Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for cervical disc disorder with myelopathy, cervicothoracic region?

The ICD-10-CM code for cervical disc disorder with myelopathy, cervicothoracic region is M50.03 (sometimes written as M5003). It is billable on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Is M50.03 (Cervical disc disorder with myelopathy) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report cervical disc disorder with myelopathy, cervicothoracic region on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What MS-DRG does M50.03 group to?

When cervical disc disorder with myelopathy, cervicothoracic region is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 551, 552, with relative weights from 0.9613 to 1.6761 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

Is M50.03 a CC or MCC?

CMS lists M50.03 as a CC (complication or comorbidity) for FY 2026. Reported as a secondary diagnosis, it moves the inpatient stay to a higher-weighted DRG within its severity family. It does not count when the principal diagnosis is one of the 14 closely related codes in its exclusion list.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of M50.03?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, cervical disc disorder with myelopathy, cervicothoracic region converts to ICD-9-CM 722.71 (cerv disc dis w myelopat). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.