M48.40XA – Fatigue fracture of vertebra, site unspecified, initial encounter for fracture

ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code · Spondylopathies

Billable code

ICD-10-CM code M48.40XA

Code: M48.40XA (claims format: M4840XA)
Description: Fatigue fracture of vertebra, site unspecified, initial encounter for fracture
Short description: Fatigue fracture of vertebra, site unsp, init for fx
Billable: Yes – valid for HIPAA-covered transactions
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: M45-M49 Spondylopathies
Parent codes: M48 › M48.4 › M48.40

7th character values

Codes in this category need a 7th character to describe the encounter or episode of care.

Character	Meaning
`A`	initial encounter for fracture
`D`	subsequent encounter for fracture with routine healing
`G`	subsequent encounter for fracture with delayed healing
`S`	sequela of fracture

Notes inherited from parent codes

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

M48.4 – Fatigue fracture of vertebra

Applicable to:

Stress fracture of vertebra

Excludes1 (not coded here):

pathological fracture NOS (M84.4-)
pathological fracture of vertebra due to neoplasm (M84.58)
pathological fracture of vertebra due to other diagnosis (M84.68)
pathological fracture of vertebra due to osteoporosis (M80.-)
traumatic fracture of vertebrae (S12.0-S12.3-, S22.0-, S32.0-)

7th character note:

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from subcategory M48.4:

Related codes in M48.40

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code M48.40XA?

M48.40XA is the ICD-10-CM code for fatigue fracture of vertebra, site unspecified, initial encounter for fracture, in the block M45-M49 (Spondylopathies).

Is M48.40XA a billable code?

Yes. M48.40XA is a billable/specific code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

What category does M48.40XA belong to?

It belongs to category M48 – Other spondylopathies.

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.