ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM47.89

M47.89

Billable

Other spondylosis

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/17/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 M47.89 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other spondylosis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

M47.89 refers to 'Other spondylosis,' a term used to describe degenerative changes in the spine that do not fall under more specific categories of spondylosis, such as cervical or lumbar spondylosis. Spondylosis encompasses a range of conditions characterized by the degeneration of the intervertebral discs, vertebrae, and surrounding structures, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. This code is often used when the specific type of spondylosis is not clearly defined or when multiple areas of the spine are affected. Conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, which is a specific inflammatory type of spondylitis, and spinal stenosis, which involves narrowing of the spinal canal, may present alongside other forms of spondylosis. Inflammatory spine conditions can also contribute to the complexity of diagnosis and treatment, as they may require different management strategies compared to degenerative forms. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement, making it crucial for coders to understand the nuances of this code and its related conditions.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying conditions that can be classified under 'other spondylosis'
  • Need for precise documentation to differentiate from specific types of spondylosis
  • Potential overlap with inflammatory spine conditions and other diagnoses
  • Variability in clinical presentation and treatment approaches

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the specific type of spondylosis
  • Misclassification of spondylosis as a more specific condition
  • Failure to document associated conditions such as spinal stenosis
  • Lack of clarity in the clinical rationale for the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed imaging reports, clinical notes on physical examination, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic back pain, limited mobility, or radicular symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant imaging studies are documented to support the diagnosis.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history of symptoms, laboratory results, and response to treatments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with inflammatory back pain or systemic symptoms suggestive of spondyloarthritis.

Billing Considerations

Document any serological markers or imaging findings that support the diagnosis of inflammatory spondylitis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M47.89 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M47
  • 89 should be used when the specific type of spondylosis is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical findings and imaging studies
  • It is important to differentiate between degenerative and inflammatory conditions to avoid misclassification

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M47.89 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

72040CPT Code

X-ray of the spine, 2 or 3 views

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate degenerative changes in patients suspected of having spondylosis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the X-ray and findings related to spondylosis.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure that imaging correlates with clinical findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spondylosis, improving the ability to capture the complexity of spinal conditions. M47.89 provides a necessary option for cases that do not fit neatly into other categories, enhancing the granularity of data for research and treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spondylosis, improving the ability to capture the complexity of spinal conditions. M47.89 provides a necessary option for cases that do not fit neatly into other categories, enhancing the granularity of data for research and treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions are included under M47.89?

M47.89 includes various forms of spondylosis that do not fall under specific categories, such as degenerative changes in the spine that may not be clearly defined as cervical or lumbar spondylosis.

How do I differentiate M47.89 from M45?

M47.89 is used for degenerative spondylosis, while M45 is specifically for ankylosing spondylitis, which is an inflammatory condition with distinct clinical features.