M50.21
BillableOther cervical disc displacement, high cervical region
Last updated: FY2026 ICD-10-CM (Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026) | CMS-HCC V28 (100% phase-in, PY2026)
Is M50.21 an HCC code?
No. M50.21 is a billable ICD-10-CM code but does not map to any HCC category in V28, V24, ESRD, or RxHCC.
This code does not map to an HCC category in any model (V28, V24, ESRD, RxHCC).
What This Code Means
M50.21 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for other cervical disc displacement, high cervical region. A displaced or shifted disc in the upper neck region (high cervical area, typically C1-C3 levels) without nerve root compression. M50.21 sits in the ICD-10-CM chapter for diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (m00-m99), within the section covering other dorsopathies (m50-m54).
M50.21 is a billable ICD-10-CM code but does not map to a payment HCC under the CMS-HCC V28, V24, ESRD, or RxHCC risk adjustment models. It can be reported on Medicare Advantage encounter data submissions but it does not contribute to a beneficiary's RAF score and therefore does not affect risk-adjusted payments to the plan.
High cervical region typically refers to C1-C3; verify documentation specifies upper neck involvement.
HCC Buddy maintains structured V28 and V24 mapping, RAF weights, and MEAT documentation criteria for M50.21 sourced directly from the CMS-HCC risk adjustment model files and the CMS ICD-10-CM code set.
Coding Tips
- •High cervical region typically refers to C1-C3; verify documentation specifies upper neck involvement
- •Distinguish from radiculopathy codes (M50.1x) which indicate nerve involvement