Systemic disorders of connective tissue in diseases classified elsewhere (M36) ICD-10-CM
The M36 code range covers systemic disorders of connective tissue in diseases classified elsewhere with 7 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 6 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Type 2 Excludes
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
- arthropathies in diseases classified elsewhere M14
Codes in the M36 Range 7 codes · 6 billable
- M36 Systemic disorders of connective tissue in diseases classified elsewhereNon-billable
- M36.0 Dermato(poly)myositis in neoplastic disease
- M36.1 Arthropathy in neoplastic disease
- M36.2 Hemophilic arthropathy
- M36.3 Arthropathy in other blood disorders
- M36.4 Arthropathy in hypersensitivity reactions classified elsewhere
- M36.8 Systemic disorders of connective tissue in other diseases classified elsewhere
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the M36 range.
Dermatomyositis
A subacute or chronic inflammatory disease of muscle and skin, marked by proximal muscle weakness and a characteristic skin rash. The illness occurs with approximately equal frequency in children and adults. The skin lesions usually take the form of a purplish rash (or less often an exfoliative dermatitis) involving the nose, cheeks, forehead, upper trunk, and arms. The disease is associated with a complement mediated intramuscular microangiopathy, leading to loss of capillaries, muscle ischemia, muscle-fiber necrosis, and perifascicular atrophy. The childhood form of this disease tends to evolve into a systemic vasculitis. Dermatomyositis may occur in association with malignant neoplasms. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp1405-6)
Polymyositis
Diseases characterized by inflammation involving multiple muscles. This may occur as an acute or chronic condition associated with medication toxicity (DRUG TOXICITY); CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASES; infections; malignant NEOPLASMS; and other disorders. The term polymyositis is frequently used to refer to a specific clinical entity characterized by subacute or slowly progressing symmetrical weakness primarily affecting the proximal limb and trunk muscles. The illness may occur at any age, but is most frequent in the fourth to sixth decade of life. Weakness of pharyngeal and laryngeal muscles, interstitial lung disease, and inflammation of the myocardium may also occur. Muscle biopsy reveals widespread destruction of segments of muscle fibers and an inflammatory cellular response. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp1404-9)
About the M36 Code Range
The ICD-10 code M36 covers **systemic disorders of connective tissue caused by diseases classified elsewhere**, addressing complications where connective tissues are affected secondary to other health conditions. These codes are essential for coding conditions linked to cancers, blood disorders, and allergic reactions that involve connective tissue and joints.
The code M36.0 is used for **dermatomyositis or polymyositis associated with neoplastic diseases**, including terms like juvenile polymyositis due to paraneoplastic syndrome or myopathy from cancer. M36.1 refers to **arthropathy secondary to malignancy**, covering joint inflammation related to different types of cancer. For bleeding disorders, M36.2 identifies **hemophilic arthropathy**, joint damage due to repeated bleeding in patients with hemophilia. M36.3 describes joint problems linked to other blood disorders, such as hemoglobinopathies or bleeding disorders. M36.4 applies to joint diseases caused by hypersensitivity reactions classified under other conditions. Finally, M36.8 includes other systemic connective tissue disorders occurring as complications of different diseases. These codes help distinguish systemic connective tissue issues that are not primary diseases but secondary to other health problems, enabling precise medical documentation and care planning.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the M36 range?
Of the 7 codes in this range, 6 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the M36 range classify?
The range classifies systemic disorders of connective tissue in diseases classified elsewhere. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
