ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for back syndrome low
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Low › back syndrome”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding back syndrome low
The ICD-10-CM code for back syndrome low is M54.50 (Low back pain, unspecified).
Within M54.5, choose M54.50 (unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: Vertebrogenic low back pain (M54.51) and other low back pain (M54.59).
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 551 (Medical Back Problems with MCC, relative weight 1.6358) and DRG 552 (Medical Back Problems without MCC, relative weight 0.9584), 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.
Common questions about back syndrome low ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for back syndrome low?
- M54.50 — Low back pain, unspecified.
Is M54.50 billable?
- Yes. M54.50 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can M54.50 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict M54.50 as a principal diagnosis.
Is M54.50 a CC or MCC?
- No. M54.50 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.