M25.12 – Fistula, elbow

ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code · Other joint disorders

Non-billable header

ICD-10-CM code M25.12

Code: M25.12 (claims format: M2512)
Description: Fistula, elbow
Billable: No – use a more specific code below
Valid for: Dates of service October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 (FY2027)
Chapter: 13. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99)
Block: M20-M25 Other joint disorders
Parent codes: M25 › M25.1

Billable codes under M25.12

M25.12 is a header code and cannot be used on claims. Choose the most specific code:

M25.121 – Fistula, right elbowBillable
M25.122 – Fistula, left elbowBillable
M25.129 – Fistula, unspecified elbowBillable

Notes inherited from parent codes

Instructional notes at a category or block level apply to every code below it.

M25 – Other joint disorder, not elsewhere classified

Excludes2 (not included here):

abnormality of gait and mobility (R26.-)
acquired deformities of limb (M20-M21)
calcification of bursa (M71.4-)
calcification of shoulder (joint) (M75.3)
calcification of tendon (M65.2-)
difficulty in walking (R26.2)
temporomandibular joint disorder (M26.6-)

Block M20-M25

Excludes2 (not included here):

joints of the spine (M40-M54)

Index terms for M25.12

Entries in the ICD-10-CM alphabetic index that lead to this code:

Fistula, joint, elbow

Related codes in M25.1

M25.10 – Fistula, unspecified jointBillable
M25.11 – Fistula, shoulderHeader
M25.13 – Fistula, wristHeader
M25.14 – Fistula, handHeader
M25.15 – Fistula, hipHeader
M25.16 – Fistula, kneeHeader
M25.17 – Fistula, ankle and footHeader
M25.18 – Fistula, other specified siteBillable

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code M25.12?

M25.12 is the ICD-10-CM code for fistula, elbow, in the block M20-M25 (Other joint disorders).

Is M25.12 a billable code?

No. M25.12 is a header code with more specific child codes; report one of the billable codes listed above.

What category does M25.12 belong to?

It belongs to category M25 – Other joint disorder, not elsewhere classified.

Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 code files, tabular list and index. Reference only – code assignment must follow the official ICD-10-CM guidelines and documentation in the medical record.