ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for joint pain
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Pain (s) › joint”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding joint pain
The ICD-10-CM code for joint pain is M25.50 (Pain in unspecified joint). The official index lists 11 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on M25.50.
Within M25.5, choose M25.50 (unspecified joint) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: shoulder (M25.51), elbow (M25.52), wrist (M25.53), s of hand (M25.54), hip (M25.55), knee (M25.56), ankle and joints of foot (M25.57) and other specified joint (M25.59).
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 555 (Signs and Symptoms of Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue with MCC, relative weight 1.2913) and DRG 556 (Signs and Symptoms of Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue without MCC, relative weight 0.8211), 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 joint pain codes (official index)
- ankle M25.57 — Pain in ankle and joints of foot
- elbow M25.52 — Pain in elbow
- finger M25.54 — Pain in joints of hand
- foot M25.57 — Pain in ankle and joints of foot
- hand M25.54 — Pain in joints of hand
- hip M25.55 — Pain in hip
- knee M25.56 — Pain in knee
- shoulder M25.51 — Pain in shoulder
- specified site NEC M25.59 — Pain in other specified joint
- toe M25.57 — Pain in ankle and joints of foot
- wrist M25.53 — Pain in wrist
Common questions about joint pain ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for joint pain?
- M25.50 — Pain in unspecified joint. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: M25.57, M25.52, M25.54, M25.57 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for ankle joint pain?
- M25.57 — Pain in ankle and joints of foot (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for elbow joint pain?
- M25.52 — Pain in elbow (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for finger joint pain?
- M25.54 — Pain in joints of hand (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for foot joint pain?
- M25.57 — Pain in ankle and joints of foot (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for hand joint pain?
- M25.54 — Pain in joints of hand (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for hip joint pain?
- M25.55 — Pain in hip (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
Is M25.50 billable?
- Yes. M25.50 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can M25.50 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict M25.50 as a principal diagnosis.
Is M25.50 a CC or MCC?
- No. M25.50 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.