2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M50.322Other cervical disc degeneration at C5-C6 level

ICD-10-CM Codes›M00–M99›M50-M54›M50

ICD-10-CM M50.322
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

M50.322 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for other cervical disc degeneration at C5-C6 level. 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. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Spondylopathies/spondyloarthropathy (including infective).

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
M50.322
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Other cervical disc degeneration at C5-C6 level
Short Description
Other cervical disc degeneration at C5-C6 level
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
M50.32
Other cervical disc degeneration, mid-cervical region

Code Classification

ChapterM00–M99Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
SectionM50-M54Other dorsopathies
CategoryM50Cervical disc disorders
This CodeM50.322Other cervical disc degeneration at C5-C6 level

Tabular List NotesGuidance

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

Inclusion Terms

  • Other C5-C6 cervical disc degeneration

Index to Diseases and InjuriesGuidance

Alphabetical index entries that point to this code.

External Cause of Injuries IndexGuidance

References for this code in the External Cause of Injuries Index.

    • Disorder(of)
      • disc (intervertebral)
        • cervical
          • degeneration
            • C5-C6

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 M50.322 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
722.4 Cervical disc degen
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.

Code History & ChangesHistory

Replacement M50.322 replaces the following previously assigned code(s):

  • M50.32 - Other cervical disc degeneration, mid-cervical region
FY 2018AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2017.
FY 2019–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About M50.322Overview

Is M50.322 (Other cervical disc degeneration, mid-cervical region) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report other cervical disc degeneration at C5-C6 level on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What MS-DRG does M50.322 group to?

When other cervical disc degeneration at C5-C6 level 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.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of M50.322?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, other cervical disc degeneration at C5-C6 level converts to ICD-9-CM 722.4 (cervical disc degen). 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.