M48.48XA: Fatigue fracture of vertebra, sacral and sacrococcygeal region, initial encounter for fracture

M48.48XA, fatigue fracture of vertebra, sacral and sacrococcygeal region, initial encounter for fracture, is listed as a covered diagnosis in 3 Medicare billing and coding articles that apply to 10 HCPCS Level II codes, including G0453 (Continuous intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring, from…), A9585 (Injection, gadobutrol, 0.1 ml), Q9953 (Injection, iron-based magnetic resonance contrast agent…). The articles come from 3 Medicare contractors. A listed diagnosis supports medical necessity only; coverage still depends on the LCD's criteria and on documentation in the medical record.

HCPCS Level II codes with M48.48XA as a covered diagnosis

CodeDescriptionMedicare coverageDMEPOS fee 2026 (state range)Articles listing it
G0453Continuous intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring, from outside the operating room (remote or nearby), per patient, (attention directed exclusively to one patient) each 15 minutes (list in addition to primary procedure)Carrier judgment—1
A9585Injection, gadobutrol, 0.1 mlCarrier judgment—1
Q9953Injection, iron-based magnetic resonance contrast agent, per mlSpecial coverage instructions apply—1
G0283Electrical stimulation (unattended), to one or more areas for indication(s) other than wound care, as part of a therapy plan of careCarrier judgment—1
G2010Remote evaluation of recorded video and/or images submitted by an established patient (e.g., store and forward), including interpretation with follow-up with the patient within 24 business hours, not originating from a related e/m service provided within the previous 7 days nor leading to an e/m service or procedure within the next 24 hours or soonest available appointmentCarrier judgment—1
G2250Remote assessment of recorded video and/or images submitted by an established patient (e.g., store and forward), including interpretation with follow-up with the patient within 24 business hours, not originating from a related service provided within the previous 7 days nor leading to a service or procedure within the next 24 hours or soonest available appointmentCarrier judgment—1
G0281Electrical stimulation, (unattended), to one or more areas, for chronic stage iii and stage iv pressure ulcers, arterial ulcers, diabetic ulcers, and venous stasis ulcers not demonstrating measurable signs of healing after 30 days of conventional care, as part of a therapy plan of careCarrier judgment—1
G2251Brief communication technology-based service, e.g. virtual check-in, by a qualified health care professional who cannot report evaluation and management services, provided to an established patient, not originating from a related service provided within the previous 7 days nor leading to a service or procedure within the next 24 hours or soonest available appointment; 5-10 minutes of clinical discussionCarrier judgment—1
G0151Services performed by a qualified physical therapist in the home health or hospice setting, each 15 minutesCarrier judgment—1
G0329Electromagnetic therapy, to one or more areas for chronic stage iii and stage iv pressure ulcers, arterial ulcers, diabetic ulcers and venous stasis ulcers not demonstrating measurable signs of healing after 30 days of conventional care as part of a therapy plan of careCarrier judgment—1

Medicare policy articles listing M48.48XA

A diagnosis listed as covered in a billing and coding article supports medical necessity for the article's codes; it does not guarantee payment. Coverage depends on the LCD's criteria, the contractor's jurisdiction and documentation in the medical record.

Other M48 diagnoses (Other spondylopathies)

Frequently asked questions

Does Medicare cover M48.48XA (Fatigue fracture of vertebra, sacral and sacrococcygeal…)?

Medicare covers items and services, not diagnoses. 3 Medicare billing and coding articles list M48.48XA as a covered diagnosis for 10 HCPCS Level II codes: the diagnosis can support medical necessity for those codes, but payment still depends on the LCD's coverage criteria and the medical record.

Which HCPCS codes can be billed with ICD-10 M48.48XA?

The Level II codes from the policies most specific to this diagnosis are G0453 (Continuous intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring, from…, 1 article); A9585 (Injection, gadobutrol, 0.1 ml, 1 article); Q9953 (Injection, iron-based magnetic resonance contrast agent…, 1 article); G0283 (Electrical stimulation (unattended), to one or more areas…, 1 article); G2010 (Remote evaluation of recorded video and/or images…, 1 article). Code choice depends on the item supplied; check each code's descriptor.

Which Medicare policy articles list M48.48XA?

A57604 (Billing and Coding: Intraoperative Neurophysiological Testing); A57206 (Billing and Coding: Lumbar MRI); A57311 (Billing and Coding: Physical Therapy - Home Health).

What is ICD-10-CM code M48.48XA?

M48.48XA is the ICD-10-CM code for fatigue fracture of vertebra, sacral and sacrococcygeal region, initial encounter for fracture, in category M48 (Other spondylopathies), chapter 13: Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue.

Next steps

Sources: CMS Medicare Coverage Database billing and coding articles (covered ICD-10 code lists and HCPCS links); ICD-10-CM FY2026; CMS HCPCS Level II release October 2026; CMS DMEPOS fee schedule 2026 (non-rural state fees). Not billing or legal advice.

Chapter 13: Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue · All diagnoses · HCPCS lookup