M40-M43
Medium Complexity
Deforming dorsopathies
Primary Specialty: Orthopedics
Last Updated: 2025-09-10
ICD-10 Codes (128)
127 billable0 category headers
M41Billable
M41.0Billable
M41.00Billable
M41.02Billable
M41.03Billable
M41.04Billable
M41.05Billable
M41.06Billable
M41.07Billable
M41.08Billable
M41.1Billable
M41.11Billable
M41.112Billable
M41.113Billable
M41.114Billable
M41.115Billable
M41.116Billable
M41.117Billable
M41.119Billable
M41.12Billable
M41.122Billable
M41.123Billable
M41.124Billable
M41.125Billable
M41.126Billable
M41.127Billable
M41.129Billable
M41.2Billable
M41.20Billable
M41.22Billable
M41.23Billable
M41.24Billable
M41.25Billable
M41.26Billable
M41.27Billable
M41.3Billable
M41.30Billable
M41.34Billable
M41.35Billable
M41.4Billable
M41.40Billable
M41.41Billable
M41.42Billable
M41.43Billable
M41.44Billable
M41.45Billable
M41.46Billable
M41.47Billable
M41.5Billable
M41.50Billable
M41.52Billable
M41.53Billable
M41.54Billable
M41.55Billable
M41.56Billable
M41.57Billable
M41.8Billable
M41.80Billable
M41.82Billable
M41.83Billable
M41.84Billable
M41.85Billable
M41.86Billable
M41.87Billable
M41.9Billable
M42Billable
M42.0Billable
M42.00Billable
M42.01Billable
M42.02Billable
M42.03Billable
M42.04Billable
M42.05Billable
M42.06Billable
M42.07Billable
M42.08Billable
M42.09Billable
M42.1Billable
M42.10Billable
M42.11Billable
M42.12Billable
M42.13Billable
M42.14Billable
M42.15Billable
M42.16Billable
M42.17Billable
M42.18Billable
M42.19Billable
M42.9Billable
M43M43.0Billable
M43.00Billable
M43.01Billable
M43.02Billable
M43.03Billable
M43.04Billable
M43.05Billable
M43.06Billable
M43.07Billable
M43.08Billable
M43.09Billable
M43.1Billable
M43.10Billable
M43.11Billable
M43.12Billable
M43.13Billable
M43.14Billable
M43.15Billable
M43.16Billable
M43.17Billable
M43.18Billable
M43.19Billable
M43.2Billable
M43.20Billable
M43.21Billable
M43.22Billable
M43.23Billable
M43.24Billable
M43.25Billable
M43.26Billable
M43.27Billable
M43.28Billable
M43.3Billable
M43.4Billable
M43.5Billable
M43.6Billable
M43.8Billable
M43.9Billable
Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
Current Year
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
No significant changes for FY 2026
This range maintains stability with current coding practices
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for M40-M43 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
high priority
The ICD-10 category M40-M43, Deforming dorsopathies, encompasses codes for conditions that cause deformities of the spine. These conditions include kyphosis, lordosis, scoliosis, and other spinal deformities. These codes are used to document diagnoses that involve abnormal curvature and alignment of the spine, which can lead to pain, limited mobility, and other complications.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always specify the type of deformity (kyphosis, lordosis, scoliosis, etc.)
- •Include the location of the deformity if known
- •Use additional codes to document any associated symptoms or conditions
- •Document the cause of the deformity if known
- •Specify if the condition is congenital or acquired
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient presents with a spinal deformity
- ✓If a deformity is discovered during a routine physical examination
- ✓When a deformity is causing pain or other symptoms
- ✓If a deformity is affecting a patient's mobility
- ✓When a deformity is due to a specific disease or condition
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When a patient has back pain but no deformity
- ✗If a patient has a spinal condition that does not cause a deformity
- ✗When a patient has a deformity in a part of the body other than the spine
- ✗If a deformity is due to a traumatic injury
- ✗When a patient has a temporary postural deformity
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the patient's medical record and the latest ICD-10 guidelines.
Documentation Requirements
Proper documentation for deforming dorsopathies should include a clear description of the deformity, its location, any associated symptoms or conditions, and the cause if known.
Clinical Information:
- •Type of deformity
- •Location of deformity
- •Associated symptoms or conditions
- •Cause of deformity
- •Whether the deformity is congenital or acquired
Supporting Evidence:
- •Physical examination findings
- •Imaging studies
- •Patient history
- •Consultation notes
Good Documentation Example:
Patient presents with severe lower back pain. Physical examination and X-ray confirm the presence of lumbar lordosis. The patient has a history of osteoporosis.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has back pain.
Common Documentation Errors:
- âš Not specifying the type of deformity
- âš Failing to document the location of the deformity
- âš Not including associated symptoms or conditions
- âš Not documenting the cause of the deformity
Range Statistics
4
Total Codes
127
Billable
Complexity:
Medium
Primary Use:Clinical Documentation
Chapter:13
Coding Complexity
Medium
Complexity Rating
Coding for deforming dorsopathies can be complex due to the need to accurately identify and document the type and location of the deformity, any associated symptoms or conditions, and the cause of the deformity. In addition, distinguishing between congenital and acquired deformities can add to the complexity.
Key Factors:
- â–¸Determining the type and location of the deformity
- â–¸Identifying any associated symptoms or conditions
- â–¸Determining the cause of the deformity
- â–¸Distinguishing between congenital and acquired deformities
Specialty Focus
Deforming dorsopathies are most commonly encountered in orthopedics, rheumatology, and physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Primary Specialties:
Orthopedics
50%
Rheumatology
30%
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
20%
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient with rheumatoid arthritis develops cervical kyphosis
- • A teenager is diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis during a school screening
- • An elderly patient with osteoporosis presents with thoracic kyphosis
- • A patient with ankylosing spondylitis develops lumbar lordosis
- • A patient with a history of polio has a post-polio syndrome with scoliosis
Resources & References
Resources for coding deforming dorsopathies include the official ICD-10 guidelines, clinical reference books, and educational materials from professional coding organizations.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- World Health Organization's ICD-10 Version:2019
- American Health Information Management Association's ICD-10-CM Coding Resources
Clinical References:
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine
- Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment
Educational Materials:
- American Academy of Professional Coders' ICD-10 Training
- American Health Information Management Association's ICD-10 Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a code from the M40-M43 range for a patient with a spinal deformity due to a traumatic injury?
No, spinal deformities due to traumatic injuries should be coded with a code from the S12-S32 range.