ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for Stiffness
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Stiffness, joint NEC”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding Stiffness
The ICD-10-CM code for Stiffness is M25.60 (Stiffness of unspecified joint, not elsewhere classified). The official index lists 9 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on M25.60.
Within M25.6, choose M25.60 (unspecified joint, not elsewhere classified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: shoulder, not elsewhere classified (M25.61), elbow, not elsewhere classified (M25.62), wrist, not elsewhere classified (M25.63), hand, not elsewhere classified (M25.64), hip, not elsewhere classified (M25.65), knee, not elsewhere classified (M25.66), ankle and foot, not elsewhere classified (M25.67) and other specified joint, not elsewhere classified (M25.69).
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 Stiffness codes (official index)
- ankle M25.67 — Stiffness of ankle and foot, not elsewhere classified
- ankylosis
- contracture
- elbow M25.62 — Stiffness of elbow, not elsewhere classified
- foot M25.67 — Stiffness of ankle and foot, not elsewhere classified
- hand M25.64 — Stiffness of hand, not elsewhere classified
- hip M25.65 — Stiffness of hip, not elsewhere classified
- knee M25.66 — Stiffness of knee, not elsewhere classified
- shoulder M25.61 — Stiffness of shoulder, not elsewhere classified
- specified site NEC M25.69 — Stiffness of other specified joint, not elsewhere classified
- wrist M25.63 — Stiffness of wrist, not elsewhere classified
Common questions about Stiffness ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for Stiffness?
- M25.60 — Stiffness of unspecified joint, not elsewhere classified. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: M25.67, M25.62, M25.67, M25.64 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for ankle stiffness?
- M25.67 — Stiffness of ankle and foot, not elsewhere classified (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for elbow stiffness?
- M25.62 — Stiffness of elbow, not elsewhere classified (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for foot stiffness?
- M25.67 — Stiffness of ankle and foot, not elsewhere classified (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for hand stiffness?
- M25.64 — Stiffness of hand, not elsewhere classified (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for hip stiffness?
- M25.65 — Stiffness of hip, not elsewhere classified (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for knee stiffness?
- M25.66 — Stiffness of knee, not elsewhere classified (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
Is M25.60 billable?
- Yes. M25.60 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can M25.60 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict M25.60 as a principal diagnosis.
Is M25.60 a CC or MCC?
- No. M25.60 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.