2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M53.9Dorsopathy, unspecified

ICD-10-CM Codes›M00–M99›M50-M54›M53

ICD-10-CM M53.9
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

M53.9 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for dorsopathy, unspecified. 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
M53.9
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Dorsopathy, unspecified
Short Description
Dorsopathy, unspecified
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
M53
Other and unspecified dorsopathies, not elsewhere classified

Code Classification

ChapterM00–M99Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
SectionM50-M54Other dorsopathies
CategoryM53Other and unspecified dorsopathies, not elsewhere classified
This CodeM53.9Dorsopathy, unspecified

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Back problem
  • Bone spur of vertebra
  • Disorder of back
  • Disorder of joint of lumbosacral vertebra
  • Disorder of joint of spine
  • Disorder of lumbar spine
  • Disorder of spinal region
  • Disorder of thoracic spine
  • Disorder of vertebral column
  • Intervertebral disc disorder with myelopathy
  • Lesion of vertebra
  • Non-acquired combined pituitary hormone deficiency, sensorineural hearing loss, spine abnormalities syndrome
  • Osteophyte of vertebra due to intervertebral disc degeneration
  • Panhypopituitarism
  • Vertebral column syndromes

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

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

Back Injuries

Your back is made of bones, muscles, and other tissues extending from your neck to your pelvis. Back injuries can result from sports injuries, work around the house or in the garden, or a sudden jolt such as a car accident. The lower back is the most common site of back injuries and back pain. Common back injuries include :

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Convert M53.9 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
724.9 Back disorder NOS
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 M53.9Overview

Is M53.9 (Other and unspecified dorsopathies, not elsewhere classified) a billable code?

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

What MS-DRG does M53.9 group to?

When dorsopathy, unspecified 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 M53.9?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, dorsopathy, unspecified converts to ICD-9-CM 724.9 (back disorder NOS). 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.