ICD10BillableValid for clinical use

ICD-10 Code M46.40: Discitis, unspecified, site unspecified

M46.40 is a billable ICD-10 diagnosis code used to classify Discitis, unspecified, site unspecified in medical records and claims. You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records. ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99).

When is it used?

  • May be used when a clinician documents discitis, unspecified, site unspecified in a patient's medical record.
  • May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
  • This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.

What it does not mean

  • A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
  • A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.

Code hierarchy

chapter
13Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99)
block
M40-M54Dorsopathies
block
M45-M49Spondylopathies
category
M46Other inflammatory spondylopathies
category
M46.4Discitis, unspecified
currentM46.4

Where you may see this code

You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.

Related specialists

Orthopedic SpecialistRheumatologist

Coverage-related procedures and services

CPT 78811high
POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY (PET) IMAGING; LIMITED AREA (EG, CHEST, HEAD/NECK)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 78812high
POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY (PET) IMAGING; SKULL BASE TO MID-THIGH
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 78813high
POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY (PET) IMAGING; WHOLE BODY
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 78814high
POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY (PET) WITH CONCURRENTLY ACQUIRED COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) FOR ATTENUATION CORRECTION AND ANATOMICAL LOCALIZATION IMAGING; LIMITED AREA (EG, CHEST, HEAD/NECK)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 78815high
POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY (PET) WITH CONCURRENTLY ACQUIRED COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) FOR ATTENUATION CORRECTION AND ANATOMICAL LOCALIZATION IMAGING; SKULL BASE TO MID-THIGH
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 78816high
POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY (PET) WITH CONCURRENTLY ACQUIRED COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) FOR ATTENUATION CORRECTION AND ANATOMICAL LOCALIZATION IMAGING; WHOLE BODY
Source: CMS coverage guidance

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
M46.40

Common synonyms

Discitis, unspecified, site unspecifiedDiscitis, unspecified

Frequently asked questions

Code details

CodeM46.40
SystemICD10
Display nameDiscitis, unspecified, site unspecified
ChapterDiseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99)
BlockSpondylopathies

Flags

BillableYes
Valid clinical useYes

Source

SourceICD-10
Version2026-annual
Releaseannual
Year2026

Index terms

Matched terms
Discitis, diskitis

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.

ICD-10 Code M46.40 for Discitis, unspecified, site unspecified | HealthAssure