2025 ICD-10-CM code M26.62
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Musculoskeletal - Dentofacial anomalies [including malocclusion] and other disorders of jaw Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99) Feed
Arthralgia of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Modifiers might be applicable depending on the circumstances of the visit and services provided. For example, modifiers might indicate the type of service (e.g., consultation, evaluation and management) or the site of service.
Medical necessity for treatment of TMJ arthralgia is established based on the presence of significant pain impacting daily function (eating, speaking, yawning).Conservative treatment (e.g., analgesics, heat/cold application, splints) is typically tried first before more invasive options.
Diagnosis and treatment of TMJ arthralgia are typically the responsibility of dentists or oral surgeons.Depending on the cause and complexity, other specialists might be involved.
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99)
- M26-M27 (Dentofacial anomalies [including malocclusion] and other disorders of jaw)
In simple words: This code means pain in the jaw joint.The jaw joint lets you chew, talk, and yawn.Pain can feel like an earache, jaw clicking, or pain when chewing. Doctors check the jaw and talk to the patient to figure out the problem. Treatment might include pain medicine, anti-inflammatory medicine, or low-level laser treatment.
M26.62, Arthralgia of the temporomandibular joint, signifies pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the hinge connecting the jaw to the skull.Symptoms may include earache, TMJ discomfort, clicking or snapping, pain with chewing, and joint crepitus (grating). Diagnosis involves a dental examination and patient history. Treatment may involve analgesics, anti-inflammatory medications, and low-level laser therapy (LLLT).
Example 1: A 35-year-old female presents with right-sided TMJ pain, clicking, and limited jaw opening.The dentist diagnoses M26.62 after a clinical exam and patient history, ruling out other conditions., A 60-year-old male reports chronic bilateral TMJ pain, worsening after chewing hard foods.The dentist documents M26.62, along with a description of the pain, and discusses non-surgical management options like analgesics and lifestyle modifications., A 22-year-old patient with known temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) presents with increased TMJ arthralgia after a recent stressful period. The dentist diagnoses M26.62 and considers counseling and stress reduction as additional treatment measures.
Detailed patient history of TMJ pain, including location, duration, character, aggravating/relieving factors.Physical examination findings, specifically range of motion, palpation for tenderness, and presence of clicking or crepitus.Diagnostic imaging (if performed) should also be documented.
** This code is specifically for arthralgia (pain) in the TMJ, not other disorders of the TMJ (e.g., dislocation, internal derangement). If other TMJ conditions are present, they should be coded separately.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Specialties:Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center