ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for Chondromalacia
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Chondromalacia (systemic)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding Chondromalacia
The ICD-10-CM code for Chondromalacia is M94.20 (Chondromalacia, unspecified site). The official index lists 17 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on M94.20.
Within M94.2, choose M94.20 (unspecified site) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: shoulder (M94.21), elbow (M94.22), wrist (M94.23), joints of hand (M94.24), hip (M94.25), knee (M94.26), ankle and joints of foot (M94.27), other site (M94.28) and 1 more.
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 553 (Bone Diseases and Arthropathies with MCC, relative weight 1.2494) and DRG 554 (Bone Diseases and Arthropathies without MCC, relative weight 0.8331), 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.
More specific Chondromalacia codes (official index)
- acromioclavicular joint M94.21 — Chondromalacia, shoulder
- ankle M94.27 — Chondromalacia, ankle and joints of foot
- elbow M94.22 — Chondromalacia, elbow
- foot joint M94.27 — Chondromalacia, ankle and joints of foot
- glenohumeral joint M94.21 — Chondromalacia, shoulder
- hand joint M94.24 — Chondromalacia, joints of hand
- hip M94.25 — Chondromalacia, hip
- knee M94.26 — Chondromalacia, knee
- patella M22.4 — Chondromalacia patellae
- multiple sites M94.29 — Chondromalacia, multiple sites
- patella M22.4 — Chondromalacia patellae
- rib M94.28 — Chondromalacia, other site
- sacroiliac joint M94.259 — Chondromalacia, unspecified hip
- shoulder M94.21 — Chondromalacia, shoulder
- sternoclavicular joint M94.21 — Chondromalacia, shoulder
- vertebral joint M94.28 — Chondromalacia, other site
- wrist M94.23 — Chondromalacia, wrist
Common questions about Chondromalacia ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for Chondromalacia?
- M94.20 — Chondromalacia, unspecified site. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: M94.21, M94.27, M94.22, M94.27 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for acromioclavicular joint chondromalacia?
- M94.21 — Chondromalacia, shoulder (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for ankle chondromalacia?
- M94.27 — Chondromalacia, ankle and joints of foot (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for elbow chondromalacia?
- M94.22 — Chondromalacia, elbow (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for foot joint chondromalacia?
- M94.27 — Chondromalacia, ankle and joints of foot (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for glenohumeral joint chondromalacia?
- M94.21 — Chondromalacia, shoulder (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for hand joint chondromalacia?
- M94.24 — Chondromalacia, joints of hand (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
Is M94.20 billable?
- Yes. M94.20 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can M94.20 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict M94.20 as a principal diagnosis.
Is M94.20 a CC or MCC?
- No. M94.20 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.