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Compare/M21 vs M54

M21 vs M54

M21 (Other acquired deformities of limbs) compared with M54 (Dorsalgia), from the official CMS tabular data. Both may be reported when both conditions are documented (Excludes2).

Can these codes be reported together?

Yes, when both are documented. M21 carries an Excludes2 note covering M54: “joints of the spine (M40-M54)”

Excludes2 marks distinct conditions — both may be reported when both are documented.

Side by side

M21Other acquired deformities of limbsM54Dorsalgia
Billing statusNon-billable header

Report instead: M21.00, M21.021, M21.022, M21.029, M21.051

Non-billable header

Report instead: M54.00, M54.01, M54.02, M54.03, M54.04

ClassificationM00-M99 — Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue (M00-M99)M00-M99 — Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue (M00-M99)
DefinitionOther acquired deformities of limbs is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code (M21).Dorsalgia is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code (M54).
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Derived from the official CMS ICD-10-CM tabular data (FY2026). Not billing advice; verify sequencing rules for the encounter. All data sources