Z96.629 Presence of unspecified artificial elbow joint

Billable ICD-10-CM code, FY2026.

Applies from Z96 Presence of other functional implants

Excludes2 (not included here)

• complications of internal prosthetic devices, implants and grafts (T82-T85)
• fitting and adjustment of prosthetic and other devices (Z44-Z46)

MS-DRG index

Defines the logic of DRG(s) 564-566 in MDC 08.

Approximate ICD-9-CM (GEMs)

• V43.62 Elbow joint replacement (approximate)

Medicare Code Edits (MCE v43.1 (April 2026))

• Unacceptable principal diagnosis: These codes describe a circumstance which influences care but is not a current illness or injury, or capture only an underlying condition, and are unacceptable as principal diagnosis.

Code annotations containing back-references to Z96.629

Back-references to Z96.6

• Use Additional: M97.8 Periprosthetic fracture around other internal prosthetic joint ("code to identify the joint (Z96.6-)")
• Use Additional: T84.018 Broken internal joint prosthesis, other site ("code to identify the joint (Z96.6-)")
• Use Additional: T84.028 Dislocation of other internal joint prosthesis ("code to identify the joint (Z96.6-)")
• Use Additional: T84.038 Mechanical loosening of other internal prosthetic joint ("code to identify the joint (Z96.6-)")
• Use Additional: T84.058 Periprosthetic osteolysis of other internal prosthetic joint ("code to identify the joint (Z96.6-)")
• Use Additional: T84.068 Wear of articular bearing surface of other internal prosthetic joint ("code to identify the joint (Z96.6-)")
• Use Additional: T84.098 Other mechanical complication of other internal joint prosthesis ("code to identify the joint (Z96.6-)")
• Type 1 Excludes: Z18 Retained foreign body fragments ("artificial joint prosthesis status (Z96.6-)")
• Use Additional: Z47.1 Aftercare following joint replacement surgery ("code to identify the joint (Z96.6-)")

Back-references to Z96

• Type 2 Excludes: M96 Intraoperative and postprocedural complications and disorders of musculoskeletal system, not elsewhere classified ("presence of functional implants and other devices (Z96-Z97)")
• Type 1 Excludes: Z18 Retained foreign body fragments ("organ or tissue replaced by means other than transplant (Z96.-, Z97.-)")
• Type 2 Excludes: Z46 Encounter for fitting and adjustment of other devices ("presence of prosthetic and other devices (Z95-Z97)")
• Type 2 Excludes: Z78 Other specified health status ("postprocedural status (Z93-Z99)")
• Type 2 Excludes: Z87.7 Personal history of (corrected) congenital malformations ("presence of other functional implants (Z96.-)")

Nearby codes

• Z96.612 Presence of left artificial shoulder joint
• Z96.619 Presence of unspecified artificial shoulder joint
• Z96.62 Presence of artificial elbow joint
• Z96.621 Presence of right artificial elbow joint
• Z96.622 Presence of left artificial elbow joint
• Z96.629 Presence of unspecified artificial elbow joint (this code)
• Z96.63 Presence of artificial wrist joint
• Z96.631 Presence of right artificial wrist joint
• Z96.632 Presence of left artificial wrist joint
• Z96.639 Presence of unspecified artificial wrist joint
• Z96.64 Presence of artificial hip joint