ICD10BillableValid for clinical use

ICD-10 Code M46.42: Discitis, unspecified, cervical region

M46.42 is a billable ICD-10 diagnosis code used to classify Discitis, unspecified, cervical region 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, cervical region 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 22554high
ARTHRODESIS, ANTERIOR INTERBODY TECHNIQUE, INCLUDING MINIMAL DISCECTOMY TO PREPARE INTERSPACE (OTHER THAN FOR DECOMPRESSION); CERVICAL BELOW C2
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 22551high
ARTHRODESIS, ANTERIOR INTERBODY, INCLUDING DISC SPACE PREPARATION, DISCECTOMY, OSTEOPHYTECTOMY AND DECOMPRESSION OF SPINAL CORD AND/OR NERVE ROOTS; CERVICAL BELOW C2
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 22552high
ARTHRODESIS, ANTERIOR INTERBODY, INCLUDING DISC SPACE PREPARATION, DISCECTOMY, OSTEOPHYTECTOMY AND DECOMPRESSION OF SPINAL CORD AND/OR NERVE ROOTS; CERVICAL BELOW C2, EACH ADDITIONAL INTERSPACE (LIST SEPARATELY IN ADDITION TO CODE FOR PRIMARY PROCEDURE)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 22548high
ARTHRODESIS, ANTERIOR TRANSORAL OR EXTRAORAL TECHNIQUE, CLIVUS-C1-C2 (ATLAS-AXIS), WITH OR WITHOUT EXCISION OF ODONTOID PROCESS
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 22600high
ARTHRODESIS, POSTERIOR OR POSTEROLATERAL TECHNIQUE, SINGLE INTERSPACE; CERVICAL BELOW C2 SEGMENT
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 22595high
ARTHRODESIS, POSTERIOR TECHNIQUE, ATLAS-AXIS (C1-C2)
Source: CMS coverage guidance

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
M46.42

Common synonyms

Discitis, unspecified, cervical regionDiscitis, unspecified

Frequently asked questions

Code details

CodeM46.42
SystemICD10
Display nameDiscitis, unspecified, cervical region
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 M46.42 for Discitis, unspecified, cervical region | HealthAssure