ICD-10 M51
Non-Billable HeaderThoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbosacral intervertebral disc disorders
About ICD-10-CM M51
ICD-10-CM code M51 represents Thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbosacral intervertebral disc disorders. This is a non-billable header code in the Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue chapter (block M51). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM M51 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 2 Excludes
Not included here, the excluded code is not part of M51, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. Both codes may be coded together when applicable.
- cervical and cervicothoracic disc disorders (M50.-)
- sacral and sacrococcygeal disorders (M53.3)
Medicare LCD Coverage for M51
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list M51 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 M51.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but M51 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with M51
Procedures frequently paired with this diagnosis based on PayerReady's Dx↔Px linkage data.
- 72148 Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine for back pain Internal Medicine
Codes Adjacent To M51
Other codes in section M50-M54 (Other dorsopathies).
ICD-10 M51, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code M51 billable? +
No, M51 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block M51 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 2 Excludes for M51? +
Type 2 Excludes (may be coded together when both conditions exist): cervical and cervicothoracic disc disorders (M50.-); sacral and sacrococcygeal disorders (M53.3)
What CPT codes are commonly billed with M51? +
Procedures frequently paired with M51 include: 72148.
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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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