2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M53.81Other specified dorsopathies, occipito-atlanto-axial region

ICD-10-CM Codes›M00–M99›M50-M54›M53

ICD-10-CM M53.81
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

M53.81 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for other specified dorsopathies, occipito-atlanto-axial 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. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Spondylopathies/spondyloarthropathy (including infective).

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
M53.81
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Other specified dorsopathies, occipito-atlanto-axial region
Short Description
Other specified dorsopathies, occipito-atlanto-axial region
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
M53.8
Other specified dorsopathies

Code Classification

ChapterM00–M99Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
SectionM50-M54Other dorsopathies
CategoryM53Other and unspecified dorsopathies, not elsewhere classified
This CodeM53.81Other specified dorsopathies, occipito-atlanto-axial region

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.

    • Dorsopathy
      • specified NEC
        • occipito-atlanto-axial region

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 M53.81 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
723.8 Cervical syndrome NEC
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 M53.81Overview

Is M53.81 (Other specified dorsopathies) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report other specified dorsopathies, occipito-atlanto-axial region on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What MS-DRG does M53.81 group to?

When other specified dorsopathies, occipito-atlanto-axial 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.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of M53.81?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, other specified dorsopathies, occipito-atlanto-axial region converts to ICD-9-CM 723.8 (cervical syndrome NEC). 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.