Costochondritis ICD-10-CM Codes

Find ICD-10-CM codes for costochondritis, including M94.0. Learn about proper coding, billing, diagnosis, and treatment for chest wall inflammation.

By Wynona Jugueta on Aug 8, 2025.

Fact Checked by Karina Jimenea.

Use Code

What ICD-10 codes are used for costochondritis?

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum), often involving the chondrocostal junction. This musculoskeletal condition can cause localized chest pain that frequently mimics cardiac-related discomfort. Accurate documentation of costochondritis is important for proper patient care, billing, and medical reporting. The ICD-10-CM coding system, which supports a wide range of musculoskeletal system and connective tissue disorders, includes standardized codes for this diagnosis and other related conditions.

It cases where Tietze’s disease (also referred to as chondrocostal junction syndrome), is suspected, additional differentiation is needed, as Tietze’s disease involves swelling at the costal cartilage, unlike costochondritis which does not present with swelling.

There is one code that applies to costochondritis:

M94.0 - Chondrocostal junction syndrome (Tietze): This code refers to cartilage inflammation where the ribs meet the sternum, causing chest wall pain and swelling, and this code can also apply to costochondritis when swelling is present.

(Note: Costochondritis remains a clinical diagnosis typically confirmed through physical examination. While M94.0 is the primary billable code, associated codes may be considered for coexisting respiratory system diagnoses or other specified disorders if present.)

Which Costochondritis ICD codes are Billable?

The code M94.0 for Costochondritis is fully billable under the ICD-10-CM system. It may be used with other musculoskeletal-related codes if additional findings, such as slipped rib syndrome, unspecified site inflammation, or connective tissue involvement, are identified. Proper coding ensures accurate patient condition representation and supports effective treatment planning.

Clinical information

Costochondritis primarily causes localized anterior chest pain that can be reproduced by palpating the chondrocostal junction or ribcage. To prevent misdiagnosis, it is important to distinguish this condition from other bone or joint disorders, such as juvenile osteochondrosis, slipped upper femoral epiphysis, or unspecified hip pathologies.

The pain often worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or physical activity—especially in cases involving multiple sites of musculoskeletal discomfort or strain. Although the exact cause of costochondritis remains unclear, it may result from physical trauma, repetitive motion, upper respiratory system diagnoses, or post-surgical complications.

Additional notes on clinical presentation:

Tenderness over the left elbow, right shoulder, left ankle, or pelvis may indicate coexisting musculoskeletal conditions at unspecified ankle or other musculoskeletal system disorders.
Costochondritis should not be confused with Tietze's disease, which features localized swelling at the costochondral junction.

Synonyms include:

Costal chondritis
Tietze's syndrome (though this also involves swelling)
Costosternal syndrome
Anterior chest wall syndrome

Commonly asked questions

Yes, it is a billable code.

Use ICD-10 code M94.0 when diagnosing Tietze's syndrome or costochondritis with visible swelling. This indicates inflammation at the chondrocostal junction (where the ribs meet the sternum) causing localized chest wall pain and tenderness.

Common treatments for costochondritis include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and activity modification to reduce strain on the affected area. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections or local anesthetic may be administered for pain management and inflammation control.

EHR and practice management software

Get started for free

*No credit card required

Start for free

Free

$0/usd

Unlimited clients

Telehealth

1GB of storage

Client portal text