M45-M49
Medium Complexity
Spondylopathies
Primary Specialty: Rheumatology
Last Updated: 2025-09-10
ICD-10 Codes (200)
200 billable0 category headers
M46Billable
M46.0Billable
M46.00Billable
M46.01Billable
M46.02Billable
M46.03Billable
M46.04Billable
M46.05Billable
M46.06Billable
M46.07Billable
M46.08Billable
M46.09Billable
M46.1Billable
M46.2Billable
M46.20Billable
M46.21Billable
M46.22Billable
M46.23Billable
M46.24Billable
M46.25Billable
M46.26Billable
M46.27Billable
M46.28Billable
M46.3Billable
M46.30Billable
M46.31Billable
M46.32Billable
M46.33Billable
M46.34Billable
M46.35Billable
M46.36Billable
M46.37Billable
M46.38Billable
M46.39Billable
M46.4Billable
M46.40Billable
M46.41Billable
M46.42Billable
M46.43Billable
M46.44Billable
M46.45Billable
M46.46Billable
M46.47Billable
M46.48Billable
M46.49Billable
M46.5Billable
M46.50Billable
M46.51Billable
M46.52Billable
M46.53Billable
M46.54Billable
M46.55Billable
M46.56Billable
M46.57Billable
M46.58Billable
M46.59Billable
M46.8Billable
M46.80Billable
M46.81Billable
M46.82Billable
M46.83Billable
M46.84Billable
M46.85Billable
M46.86Billable
M46.87Billable
M46.88Billable
M46.89Billable
M46.9Billable
M46.90Billable
M46.91Billable
M46.92Billable
M46.93Billable
M46.94Billable
M46.95Billable
M46.96Billable
M46.97Billable
M46.98Billable
M46.99Billable
M47Billable
M47.0Billable
M47.01Billable
M47.011Billable
M47.012Billable
M47.013Billable
M47.014Billable
M47.015Billable
M47.016Billable
M47.019Billable
M47.02Billable
M47.021Billable
M47.022Billable
M47.029Billable
M47.1Billable
M47.10Billable
M47.11Billable
M47.12Billable
M47.13Billable
M47.14Billable
M47.15Billable
M47.16Billable
M47.2Billable
M47.20Billable
M47.21Billable
M47.22Billable
M47.23Billable
M47.24Billable
M47.25Billable
M47.26Billable
M47.27Billable
M47.28Billable
M47.8Billable
M47.81Billable
M47.811Billable
M47.812Billable
M47.813Billable
M47.814Billable
M47.815Billable
M47.816Billable
M47.817Billable
M47.818Billable
M47.819Billable
M47.89Billable
M47.891Billable
M47.892Billable
M47.893Billable
M47.894Billable
M47.895Billable
M47.896Billable
M47.897Billable
M47.898Billable
M47.899Billable
M47.9Billable
M48Billable
M48.0Billable
M48.00Billable
M48.01Billable
M48.02Billable
M48.03Billable
M48.04Billable
M48.05Billable
M48.06Billable
M48.061Billable
M48.062Billable
M48.07Billable
M48.08Billable
M48.1Billable
M48.10Billable
M48.11Billable
M48.12Billable
M48.13Billable
M48.14Billable
M48.15Billable
M48.16Billable
M48.17Billable
M48.18Billable
M48.19Billable
M48.2Billable
M48.20Billable
M48.21Billable
M48.22Billable
M48.23Billable
M48.24Billable
M48.25Billable
M48.26Billable
M48.27Billable
M48.3Billable
M48.30Billable
M48.31Billable
M48.32Billable
M48.33Billable
M48.34Billable
M48.35Billable
M48.36Billable
M48.37Billable
M48.38Billable
M48.4Billable
M48.40Billable
M48.41Billable
M48.42Billable
M48.43Billable
M48.44Billable
M48.45Billable
M48.46Billable
M48.47Billable
M48.48Billable
M48.5Billable
M48.50Billable
M48.51Billable
M48.52Billable
M48.53Billable
M48.54Billable
M48.55Billable
M48.56Billable
M48.57Billable
M48.58Billable
M48.8Billable
M48.9Billable
M49Billable
M49.8Billable
M49.80Billable
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 M45-M49 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 code range M45-M49 is dedicated to Spondylopathies, a group of diseases affecting the vertebral column. This range includes conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, other inflammatory spondylopathies, spondylosis, other spondylopathies, and disorders of the sacrum. These codes are used to document diagnoses related to these conditions in medical records and billing systems.
Key Usage Points:
- •M45 is used for Ankylosing spondylitis.
- •M46 covers other inflammatory spondylopathies.
- •M47 is for Spondylosis.
- •M48 is used for Other spondylopathies.
- •M49 is for Disorders of the sacrum.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis.
- ✓When a patient has a non-specific inflammatory spondylopathy.
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with spondylosis.
- ✓When a patient has a non-specific spondylopathy.
- ✓When a patient has a disorder of the sacrum.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When a patient has a condition not related to the vertebral column.
- ✗When a patient has a spinal cord injury.
- ✗When a patient has a congenital spinal condition.
- ✗When a patient has a neoplasm of the spine.
- ✗When a patient has a spinal condition due to trauma.
Code Exclusions
Always verify the patient's condition with the provider before coding.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for spondylopathies should include a clear diagnosis, the specific type of spondylopathy, the location of the condition, and any related symptoms or complications. The provider's notes should also include any relevant medical history, physical examination findings, and diagnostic test results.
Clinical Information:
- •Clear diagnosis
- •Specific type of spondylopathy
- •Location of the condition
- •Related symptoms or complications
- •Relevant medical history
Supporting Evidence:
- •Physical examination findings
- •Diagnostic test results
- •Imaging studies
- •Consultation notes
Good Documentation Example:
Patient diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. Pain and stiffness in lower back. Positive HLA-B27 antigen. X-ray shows sacroiliac joint inflammation.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has back pain.
Common Documentation Errors:
- âš Not specifying the type of spondylopathy
- âš Not documenting the location of the condition
- âš Not including related symptoms or complications
- âš Not providing supporting evidence
Range Statistics
6
Total Codes
200
Billable
Complexity:
Medium
Primary Use:Clinical Documentation
Chapter:13
Coding Complexity
Medium
Complexity Rating
Coding for spondylopathies can be moderately complex due to the variety of conditions included in this range, the need to specify the location of the condition, the potential for related symptoms and complications, the need for supporting evidence, and the potential for co-existing conditions.
Key Factors:
- â–¸Variety of spondylopathies
- â–¸Need to specify location
- â–¸Potential for related symptoms and complications
- â–¸Need for supporting evidence
- â–¸Potential for co-existing conditions
Specialty Focus
Spondylopathies are most commonly diagnosed and treated by specialists in rheumatology, orthopedics, and neurology. These conditions can also be relevant to primary care providers, physical therapists, and pain management specialists.
Primary Specialties:
Rheumatology
40%
Orthopedics
30%
Neurology
20%
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient with chronic back pain is diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis.
- • A patient with neck pain and numbness in the hands is diagnosed with cervical spondylosis.
- • A patient with a history of psoriasis presents with lower back pain and is diagnosed with psoriatic spondylitis.
- • A patient with a history of inflammatory bowel disease presents with sacroiliac joint pain and is diagnosed with enteropathic spondylitis.
- • A patient with a history of trauma to the sacrum presents with chronic pain and is diagnosed with post-traumatic sacral disorder.
Resources & References
Resources for coding spondylopathies include the official ICD-10 coding guidelines, clinical reference materials, and educational materials on spondylopathies and ICD-10 coding.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Coding Guidelines
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) ICD-10 Provider Resources
Clinical References:
- American College of Rheumatology Guidelines
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines
- American Academy of Neurology Practice Guidelines
Educational Materials:
- AHIMA ICD-10 Training Materials
- CMS ICD-10 Educational Resources
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) ICD-10 Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a code from this range for a patient with a spinal cord injury?
No, spinal cord injuries are not included in this range. Use a code from the S14 range instead.