ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

M42Spinal osteochondrosis

Not billable — use a more specific code

M42 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 3 more specific codes beneath it.

Code unchanged since ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-CM release from CDC/NCHS and CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About M42

M42 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for spinal osteochondrosis. It belongs to block M40-M43 (deforming dorsopathies) and chapter 13 (diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue). It is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself; one of its 3 subcodes must be used instead.

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: M42.0 (spine), M42.1 (spine) and M42.9 (unspecified).

It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.

Specific codes under M42

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to M42.

Broader instructions also apply from Chapter 13: Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue.

Codes whose notes reference M42

M40.0Excludes1
M93Excludes2

Code history

2016
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2025
2026
2027

FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
No changes since FY2016.

Common questions about M42

Is M42 billable?: No. M42 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.