2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M53.2X3Spinal instabilities, cervicothoracic region

ICD-10-CM Codes›M00–M99›M50-M54›M53

ICD-10-CM M53.2X3
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

M53.2X3 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for spinal instabilities, cervicothoracic region. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 564 through 566. Coders also document this condition as cervicothoracic instability. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Spondylopathies/spondyloarthropathy (including infective).

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
M53.2X3
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Spinal instabilities, cervicothoracic region
Short Description
Spinal instabilities, cervicothoracic region
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
M53.2X
Spinal instabilities

Code Classification

ChapterM00–M99Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
SectionM50-M54Other dorsopathies
CategoryM53Other and unspecified dorsopathies, not elsewhere classified
This CodeM53.2X3Spinal instabilities, cervicothoracic region

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Cervicothoracic instability

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

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 M53.2X3 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
718.88 Jt derangment NEC-oth jt
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 M53.2X3Overview

Is M53.2X3 (Spinal instabilities) a billable code?

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

What MS-DRG does M53.2X3 group to?

When spinal instabilities, cervicothoracic region is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 564, 565, 566, with relative weights from 0.7493 to 1.5436 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of M53.2X3?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, spinal instabilities, cervicothoracic region converts to ICD-9-CM 718.88 (jt derangment NEC-oth jt). 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.