ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

M53Other and unspecified dorsopathies, not elsewhere classified

Not billable — use a more specific code

M53 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 6 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 M53

M53 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for other and unspecified dorsopathies, not elsewhere classified. It belongs to block M50-M54 (other 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 6 subcodes must be used instead.

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: M53.0 (syndrome), M53.1 (syndrome), M53.2 (instabilities), M53.3 (classified), M53.8 (dorsopathies) and M53.9 (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 M53

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to M53.

Broader instructions also apply from M50-M54 Other dorsopathies and Chapter 13: Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue.

Codes whose notes reference M53

G55Excludes1

Code history

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2027

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

Common questions about M53

Is M53 billable?: No. M53 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.