ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for occipital neuralgia
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Neuralgia, neuralgic (acute) › occipital”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding occipital neuralgia
The ICD-10-CM code for occipital neuralgia is M54.81 (Occipital neuralgia).
Within M54.8 (other dorsalgia), M54.81 is specifically for occipital neuralgia. Related codes cover other dorsalgia (M54.89).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 551 (Medical Back Problems with MCC, relative weight 1.6358) and DRG 552 (Medical Back Problems without MCC, relative weight 0.9584), in MDC 08 (Diseases and Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.
Common questions about occipital neuralgia ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for occipital neuralgia?
- M54.81 — Occipital neuralgia.
Is M54.81 billable?
- Yes. M54.81 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can M54.81 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict M54.81 as a principal diagnosis.
Is M54.81 a CC or MCC?
- No. M54.81 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.