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  6. 2026 ICD-10-CM Code M94

2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M94

Other disorders of cartilage

ICD-10-CM Code:
M94
ICD-10 Code for:
Other disorders of cartilage
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

M94 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity from the list below for a diagnosis of other disorders of cartilage. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2026 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Other disorders of cartilage

Non-specific codes like M94 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following billable codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for other disorders of cartilage:

  • Use M94.0 for Chondrocostal junction syndrome [Tietze]

  • Use M94.1 for Relapsing polychondritis

  • M94.2 for Chondromalacia

  • Use M94.20 for Chondromalacia, unspecified site

  • M94.21 for Chondromalacia, shoulder

  • M94.22 for Chondromalacia, elbow

  • M94.23 for Chondromalacia, wrist

  • M94.24 for Chondromalacia, joints of hand

  • M94.25 for Chondromalacia, hip

  • M94.26 for Chondromalacia, knee

  • M94.27 for Chondromalacia, ankle and joints of foot

  • Use M94.28 for Chondromalacia, other site

  • Use M94.29 for Chondromalacia, multiple sites

  • M94.3 for Chondrolysis

  • M94.35 for Chondrolysis, hip

  • M94.8 for Other specified disorders of cartilage

  • M94.8X for Other specified disorders of cartilage

  • Use M94.9 for Disorder of cartilage, unspecified

Code Classification

  • Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
    M00–M99
    • Chondropathies
      M91-M94
      • Other disorders of cartilage
        M94

Patient Education


Cartilage Disorders

Cartilage is the tough but flexible tissue that covers the ends of your bones at a joint. It also gives shape and support to other parts of your body, such as your ears, nose and windpipe. Healthy cartilage helps you move by allowing your bones to glide over each other. It also protects bones by preventing them from rubbing against each other.

Injured, inflamed, or damaged cartilage can cause symptoms such as pain and limited movement. It can also lead to joint damage and deformity. Causes of cartilage problems include :

  • Tears and injuries, such as sports injuries
  • Genetic factors
  • Other disorders, such as some types of arthritis

Osteoarthritis results from breakdown of cartilage.

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2026 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2025 through 9/30/2026
  • FY 2025 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2024 through 9/30/2025
  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.