ICD-10 M49
Non-Billable HeaderSpondylopathies in diseases classified elsewhere
About ICD-10-CM M49
ICD-10-CM code M49 represents Spondylopathies in diseases classified elsewhere. This is a non-billable header code in the Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue chapter (block M49). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM M49 became effective on October 1, 2025. Non-billable codes cannot be used as a primary or secondary diagnosis on a claim, use a more specific child code instead.
Type 1 Excludes
Pure excludes, these codes can never be coded together with M49. The conditions are mutually exclusive (e.g., congenital vs acquired forms).
- curvature of spine in tuberculosis [Pott's] (A18.01)
- enteropathic arthropathies (M07.-)
- gonococcal spondylitis (A54.41)
- neuropathic [tabes dorsalis] spondylitis (A52.11)
- neuropathic spondylopathy in syringomyelia (G95.0)
- neuropathic spondylopathy in tabes dorsalis (A52.11)
- nonsyphilitic neuropathic spondylopathy NEC (G98.0)
- spondylitis in syphilis (acquired) (A52.77)
- tuberculous spondylitis (A18.01)
- typhoid fever spondylitis (A01.05)
Includes
- curvature of spine in diseases classified elsewhere
- deformity of spine in diseases classified elsewhere
- kyphosis in diseases classified elsewhere
- scoliosis in diseases classified elsewhere
- spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere
Coding Notes
Code First
- underlying disease, such as:
- brucellosis (A23.-)
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (G60.0)
- enterobacterial infections (A01-A04)
- osteitis fibrosa cystica (E21.0)
Medicare LCD Coverage for M49
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list M49 as a covered diagnosis.
This doesn't mean the code isn't covered, it means no MAC has issued a Local Coverage Determination naming this specific code. Coverage may still apply under National Coverage Determinations or general medical-necessity rules.
Commercial Payer Coverage
Coverage policies from major commercial payers referencing M49.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but M49 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with M49
Procedures frequently paired with this diagnosis based on PayerReady's Dx↔Px linkage data.
We don't have CPT pairings indexed for this specific code yet. Use the CPT search above to find common procedures, or check your payer's published medical policy for code-specific guidance.
Codes Adjacent To M49
Other codes in section M45-M49 (Spondylopathies).
ICD-10 M49, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code M49 billable? +
No, M49 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block M49 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 1 Excludes for M49? +
Type 1 Excludes (never code together with M49): curvature of spine in tuberculosis [Pott's] (A18.01); enteropathic arthropathies (M07.-); gonococcal spondylitis (A54.41)
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on June 1, 2026.
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