M99.71 ICD-10-CM Code: Connective tissue and disc stenosis of intervertebral foramina of cervical region
HCC Buddy Code Card
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FY 2026 Apr update / Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99) / Biomechanical lesions, not elsewhere classified (M99)
M99.71
Billable / SpecificICD-10-CMOfficial ICD-10-CMCodebook guidanceConnective tissue and disc stenosis of intervertebral foramina of cervical region
Narrowing of the nerve passages in the cervical spine due to connective tissue overgrowth or disc material, which can cause neck pain, arm pain, or weakness.
CMS-HCC V28
N/A—
Not mapped
CMS-HCC V24
N/A—
Not mapped
ACA/HHS
N/A—
Not mapped
ESRD/PACE
N/A—
Not mapped
RXHCC
N/A—
Not mapped
Code Book Path
Inclusion Terms
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list inclusion terms for M99.71 in this effective period.
Excludes 2
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Excludes 2 notes for M99.71 in this effective period.
Related Child Codes
Includes
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Includes notes for M99.71 in this effective period.
Excludes 1
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Excludes 1 notes for M99.71 in this effective period.
Code First
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Code First sequencing instructions for M99.71 in this effective period.
Use Additional
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Use Additional Code instructions for M99.71 in this effective period.
Code Also
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Code Also instructions for M99.71 in this effective period.
Buddy Documentation Tip
Current with CMS: FY2026 ICD-10-CM Apr 1 update (effective Apr 1 – Sep 30, 2026) · CMS-HCC V28, 100% phased in for payment year 2026. FY2027 code set already staged for October 1, 2026. How HCC Buddy stays current →
Is M99.71 an HCC code?
No. M99.71 is a billable ICD-10-CM code but does not map to any HCC category in V28, V24, ESRD, or RxHCC.
- Code
- M99.71
- Description
- Connective tissue and disc stenosis of intervertebral foramina of cervical region
- HCC (V28)
- No CMS-HCC V28 mapping
- RAF
- —
- Billable
- Yes
- Payment year
- 2026
Coder workflow notes
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This code does not map to an HCC category in any model (V28, V24, ESRD, RxHCC).
What This Code Means
M99.71 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for connective tissue and disc stenosis of intervertebral foramina of cervical region. Narrowing of the nerve passages in the cervical spine due to connective tissue overgrowth or disc material, which can cause neck pain, arm pain, or weakness. M99.71 sits in the ICD-10-CM chapter for diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (m00-m99), within the section covering biomechanical lesions, not elsewhere classified (m99).
M99.71 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.
Specify the cervical level (C1-C7) and whether the stenosis is central or lateral.
HCC Buddy maintains structured V28 and V24 mapping, RAF weights, and MEAT documentation criteria for M99.71 sourced directly from the CMS-HCC risk adjustment model files and the CMS ICD-10-CM code set.
Coding Tips
- •Specify the cervical level (C1-C7) and whether the stenosis is central or lateral
- •Document whether disc herniation, ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, or other soft tissue involvement is present