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ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

M21.159Varus deformity, not elsewhere classified, unspecified hip

✓ Billable / specific

M21.159 is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for varus deformity, not elsewhere classified, unspecified hip. It can be reported on claims for dates of service from October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027.

Code last changed in FY2026 (effective October 1, 2025). Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-CM release from CDC/NCHS and CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About M21.159

M21.159 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for varus deformity, not elsewhere classified, unspecified hip. It belongs to category M21 (other acquired deformities of limbs), block M20-M25 (other joint disorders) and chapter 13 (diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue). It is billable, so it can be reported on its own for dates of service from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Within M21.15, choose M21.159 (unspecified hip) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: right hip (M21.151) and left hip (M21.152).

It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.

In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 564 (Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses with MCC, relative weight 1.4908), DRG 565 (Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses with CC, relative weight 0.9783) and DRG 566 (Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses without CC/MCC, relative weight 0.7378), in MDC 08 (Diseases and Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.

It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015, and changed in FY2026 (title revised).

Before ICD-10, this condition was coded in ICD-9-CM as 736.32 (coxa vara (acquired)).

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to M21.159.

› From M21.1 Varus deformity, not elsewhere classified
Excludes1
› From M21 Other acquired deformities of limbs
Excludes1
  • acquired absence of limb (Z89.-)
  • congenital absence of limbs (Q71-Q73)
  • congenital deformities and malformations of limbs (Q65-Q66, Q68-Q74)
Excludes2
  • acquired deformities of fingers or toes (M20.-)
  • coxa plana (M91.2)

Broader instructions also apply from M20-M25 Other joint disorders and Chapter 13: Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue.

MS-DRG v44.0 grouping

All DRGs →

Inpatient MS-DRGs this diagnosis can group to, as the principal or a secondary diagnosis, depending on the rest of the claim.

ICD-9-CM equivalent

Converter →
  • 736.32Coxa vara (acquired)approximate

From the CMS 2018 General Equivalence Mappings (GEMs), the final GEMs release.

Code history

  1. 2016
  2. 2017
  3. 2018
  4. 2019
  5. 2020
  6. 2021
  7. 2022
  8. 2023
  9. 2024
  10. 2025
  11. 2026
  12. 2027
  • FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
  • FY2026 (effective 10/1/2025): Title revised — was “Varus deformity, not elsewhere classified, unspecified”

Common questions about M21.159

Is M21.159 billable?

Yes. M21.159 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).

Can M21.159 be used as a principal diagnosis?

Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict M21.159 as a principal diagnosis.

Is M21.159 a CC or MCC?

No. M21.159 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.

What DRG does M21.159 group to?

M21.159 is used in the MS-DRG v44.0 logic for MS-DRG 564 (Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses with MCC), MS-DRG 565 (Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses with CC) and MS-DRG 566 (Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses without CC/MCC). Which one applies depends on whether it is the principal diagnosis and on the rest of the claim.

What is the ICD-9 code for M21.159?

The CMS General Equivalence Mappings map M21.159 to ICD-9-CM 736.32.