M50-M54
Medium Complexity
Other dorsopathies
Primary Specialty: Orthopedics
Last Updated: 2025-09-10
ICD-10 Codes (95)
81 billable11 category headers
M51M51.0M51.04Billable
M51.05Billable
M51.06Billable
M51.1Billable
M51.14Billable
M51.15Billable
M51.16Billable
M51.17Billable
M51.2M51.24Billable
M51.25Billable
M51.26Billable
M51.27Billable
M51.3M51.34Billable
M51.35Billable
M51.36M51.360Billable
M51.361Billable
M51.362Billable
M51.369Billable
M51.37M51.370Billable
M51.371Billable
M51.372Billable
M51.379Billable
M51.4M51.44Billable
M51.45Billable
M51.46Billable
M51.47Billable
M51.8M51.84Billable
M51.85Billable
M51.86Billable
M51.87Billable
M51.9Billable
M53M53.0Billable
M53.1Billable
M53.2M53.3Billable
M53.8M53.80Billable
M53.81Billable
M53.82Billable
M53.83Billable
M53.84Billable
M53.85Billable
M53.86Billable
M53.87Billable
M53.88Billable
M53.9Billable
M54M54.0M54.00Billable
M54.01Billable
M54.02Billable
M54.03Billable
M54.04Billable
M54.05Billable
M54.06Billable
M54.07Billable
M54.08Billable
M54.09Billable
M54.1M54.10Billable
M54.11Billable
M54.12Billable
M54.13Billable
M54.14Billable
M54.15Billable
M54.16Billable
M54.17Billable
M54.18Billable
M54.2Billable
M54.3Billable
M54.30Billable
M54.31Billable
M54.32Billable
M54.4Billable
M54.40Billable
M54.41Billable
M54.42Billable
M54.5Billable
M54.50Billable
M54.51Billable
M54.59Billable
M54.6Billable
M54.8Billable
M54.81Billable
M54.89Billable
M54.9Billable
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 M50-M54 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 M50-M54 pertains to 'Other dorsopathies', a category encompassing various disorders of the spine. These codes are used to document conditions such as cervical disc disorders, other intervertebral disc disorders, spondylosis, other dorsopathies, and dorsalgia. The codes provide specificity regarding the location, type, and severity of the disorder.
Key Usage Points:
- •M50 codes are used for cervical disc disorders, specifying the type and location.
- •M51 codes cover other intervertebral disc disorders, again with specificity for type and location.
- •M52 codes are used for spondylosis and allied disorders.
- •M53 codes cover other dorsopathies, not elsewhere classified.
- •M54 codes are used for dorsalgia, including conditions like sciatica and lumbago.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient presents with a cervical disc disorder.
- ✓When a patient has a non-cervical intervertebral disc disorder.
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with spondylosis or an allied disorder.
- ✓When a patient has a dorsopathy not classified elsewhere.
- ✓When a patient presents with dorsalgia, such as sciatica or lumbago.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When the patient's condition is better represented by a more specific code.
- ✗When the patient's condition is not a dorsopathy.
- ✗When the patient's condition is an injury, not a disorder.
- ✗When the patient's condition is congenital, not acquired.
- ✗When the patient's condition is a result of a systemic disease.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions against the patient's medical record and the latest ICD-10 guidelines.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for M50-M54 codes should be thorough, accurately reflecting the patient's condition. It should specify the type and location of the disorder, and any associated symptoms or complications.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific type of dorsopathy.
- •Location of the disorder.
- •Severity of the condition.
- •Associated symptoms.
- •Any complications.
Supporting Evidence:
- •Clinical examination findings.
- •Imaging results.
- •Laboratory test results.
- •Referral notes.
Good Documentation Example:
Patient presents with severe lower back pain. MRI confirms diagnosis of lumbar disc degeneration. Code: M51.36
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has back pain. Code: M54.9
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying the type of dorsopathy.
- ⚠Not indicating the location of the disorder.
- ⚠Not documenting the severity of the condition.
- ⚠Not including associated symptoms or complications.
Range Statistics
4
Total Codes
81
Billable
Complexity:
Medium
Primary Use:Clinical Documentation
Chapter:13
Coding Complexity
Medium
Complexity Rating
The coding complexity for M50-M54 is considered medium due to the need for specificity in documenting the type and location of the disorder. The variety of disorders covered under this range, the potential for associated symptoms and complications, and the exclusions to be aware of add to the complexity. Additionally, changes in the patient's condition over time may require code updates.
Key Factors:
- ▸Need for specificity in type and location of disorder.
- ▸Variety of disorders covered under this range.
- ▸Potential for associated symptoms and complications.
- ▸Exclusions to be aware of.
- ▸Changes in patient's condition over time.
Specialty Focus
M50-M54 codes are most commonly used in orthopedics, neurology, and physical therapy. They are essential for accurately documenting various spine disorders.
Primary Specialties:
Orthopedics
50%
Neurology
30%
Physical Therapy
20%
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient with a herniated cervical disc causing radiculopathy.
- • A patient with chronic low back pain due to lumbar disc degeneration.
- • A patient with spondylosis with myelopathy.
- • A patient with sciatica due to lumbar disc disorder.
- • A patient with non-specific upper back pain.
Resources & References
There are several resources available for coding M50-M54, including the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, 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 Browser
- National Center for Health Statistics ICD-10 resources
Clinical References:
- Clinical reference books related to orthopedics, neurology, and physical therapy
- Peer-reviewed articles in medical journals
Educational Materials:
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) resources
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can M50-M54 codes be used for spinal injuries?
No, spinal injuries fall under the S12-S34 code range. M50-M54 is for dorsopathies, which are disorders of the spine.