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Compare/M25.3 vs M53.2

M25.3 vs M53.2

M25.3 (Other instability of joint) compared with M53.2 (Spinal instabilities), 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. M25.3 carries an Excludes2 note covering M53.2: “spinal instabilities (M53.2-)”

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

Side by side

M25.3Other instability of jointM53.2Spinal instabilities
Billing statusNon-billable header

Report instead: M25.30, M25.311, M25.312, M25.319, M25.321

Non-billable header

Report instead: M53.2X1, M53.2X2, M53.2X3, M53.2X4, M53.2X5

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 instability of joint is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code (M25.3).Spinal instabilities is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code (M53.2).
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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