ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for low back pain
Confirmed by the official ICD-10-CM index entry “pain (s) › low back”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding low back pain
The ICD-10-CM code for low back pain is M54.50 (Low back pain, unspecified). The official index lists 2 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on M54.50.
It is also searched as lower back pain, lumbago.
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.
Related Low back pain codes
Common questions about low back pain ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for low back pain?
- M54.50 — Low back pain, unspecified. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: M54.51, M54.59.
What is the ICD-10 code for vertebrogenic low back pain?
- M54.51 — Vertebrogenic low back pain.
What is the ICD-10 code for other low back pain?
- M54.59 — Other low back pain.
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.