ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for rheumatism
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Rheumatism (articular) (neuralgic) (nonarticular)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding rheumatism
The ICD-10-CM code for rheumatism is M79.0 (Rheumatism, unspecified). The official index lists 14 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on M79.0.
Within M79, choose M79.0 (Rheumatism, unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: myalgia (M79.1), neuralgia and neuritis, unspecified (M79.2), panniculitis, unspecified (M79.3), hypertrophy of (infrapatellar) fat pad (M79.4), residual foreign body in soft tissue (M79.5), pain in limb, hand, foot, fingers and toes (M79.6), Fibromyalgia (M79.7), other specified soft tissue disorders (M79.8) and 2 more.
Don't report M79.0 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: fibromyalgia (M79.7) and palindromic rheumatism (M12.3-).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
More specific rheumatism codes (official index)
- gout
- intercostal, meaning Tietze's disease M94.0 — Chondrocostal junction syndrome [Tietze]
- palindromic (any site) M12.30 — Palindromic rheumatism, unspecified site
- ankle M12.37 — Palindromic rheumatism, ankle and foot
- elbow M12.32 — Palindromic rheumatism, elbow
- foot joint M12.37 — Palindromic rheumatism, ankle and foot
- hand joint M12.34 — Palindromic rheumatism, hand
- hip M12.35 — Palindromic rheumatism, hip
- knee M12.36 — Palindromic rheumatism, knee
- multiple site M12.39 — Palindromic rheumatism, multiple sites
- shoulder M12.31 — Palindromic rheumatism, shoulder
- specified joint NEC M12.38 — Palindromic rheumatism, other specified site
- vertebrae M12.38 — Palindromic rheumatism, other specified site
- wrist M12.33 — Palindromic rheumatism, wrist
- sciatic M54.4 — Lumbago with sciatica
Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for M79.0)
Common questions about rheumatism ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for rheumatism?
- M79.0 — Rheumatism, unspecified. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: M94.0, M12.30, M12.37, M12.32 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for palindromic rheumatism?
- M12.30 — Palindromic rheumatism, unspecified site.
What is the ICD-10 code for sciatic rheumatism?
- M54.4 — Lumbago with sciatica (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
Is M79.0 billable?
- Yes. M79.0 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can M79.0 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict M79.0 as a principal diagnosis.
Is M79.0 a CC or MCC?
- No. M79.0 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.