ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for Kissing spine
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Kissing spine”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding Kissing spine
The ICD-10-CM code for Kissing spine is M48.20 (Kissing spine, site unspecified). The official index lists 7 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on M48.20.
Within M48.2, choose M48.20 (site unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: occipito-atlanto-axial region (M48.21), cervical region (M48.22), cervicothoracic region (M48.23), thoracic region (M48.24), thoracolumbar region (M48.25), lumbar region (M48.26) and lumbosacral region (M48.27).
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.
More specific Kissing spine codes (official index)
- cervical region M48.22 — Kissing spine, cervical region
- cervicothoracic region M48.23 — Kissing spine, cervicothoracic region
- lumbar region M48.26 — Kissing spine, lumbar region
- lumbosacral region M48.27 — Kissing spine, lumbosacral region
- occipito-atlanto-axial region M48.21 — Kissing spine, occipito-atlanto-axial region
- thoracic region M48.24 — Kissing spine, thoracic region
- thoracolumbar region M48.25 — Kissing spine, thoracolumbar region
Common questions about Kissing spine ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for Kissing spine?
- M48.20 — Kissing spine, site unspecified. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: M48.22, M48.23, M48.26, M48.27 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for cervical region kissing spine?
- M48.22 — Kissing spine, cervical region.
What is the ICD-10 code for cervicothoracic region kissing spine?
- M48.23 — Kissing spine, cervicothoracic region.
What is the ICD-10 code for lumbar region kissing spine?
- M48.26 — Kissing spine, lumbar region.
What is the ICD-10 code for lumbosacral region kissing spine?
- M48.27 — Kissing spine, lumbosacral region.
What is the ICD-10 code for occipito-atlanto-axial region kissing spine?
- M48.21 — Kissing spine, occipito-atlanto-axial region.
What is the ICD-10 code for thoracic region kissing spine?
- M48.24 — Kissing spine, thoracic region.
Is M48.20 billable?
- Yes. M48.20 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can M48.20 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict M48.20 as a principal diagnosis.
Is M48.20 a CC or MCC?
- No. M48.20 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.