Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Piriformis Muscle Syndrome(G57.01, G57.02, G57.00)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Piriformis Muscle Syndrome. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Piriformis SyndromePiriformis Muscle Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Piriformis Muscle Syndrome

G57.00-G57.02Primary Range

Lesion of sciatic nerve

Primary range for coding piriformis muscle syndrome due to sciatic nerve compression.

Other muscle spasm

Used for documenting muscle spasm associated with piriformis syndrome.

Myalgia

Ancillary code for documenting myalgia related to piriformis syndrome.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G57.01Lesion of sciatic nerve, right lower limbUse when piriformis syndrome affects the right side with documented sciatic nerve involvement.
  • Positive Pace sign
  • Positive FAIR test
  • EMG showing delayed H-reflex latency
G57.02Lesion of sciatic nerve, left lower limbUse when piriformis syndrome affects the left side with documented sciatic nerve involvement.
  • Positive Pace sign
  • Positive FAIR test
  • EMG showing delayed H-reflex latency
G57.00Lesion of sciatic nerve, unspecified lower limbUse when laterality is not specified but piriformis syndrome is confirmed.
  • Positive Pace sign
  • Positive FAIR test
  • EMG showing delayed H-reflex latency

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for piriformis muscle syndrome

Essential facts and insights about Piriformis Muscle Syndrome

The ICD-10 codes for piriformis muscle syndrome are G57.01 for right side, G57.02 for left side, and G57.00 for unspecified side.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for piriformis muscle syndrome

Lesion of sciatic nerve, right lower limb
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Documented sciatic nerve compression with positive clinical tests.

Applicable To

  • Sciatic nerve compression due to piriformis syndrome

Excludes

  • Lumbar radiculopathy

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive Pace sign
  • Positive FAIR test
  • EMG showing delayed H-reflex latency

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality specification

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is specified to avoid denials.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Other muscle spasm

M62.838
Use to document associated muscle spasm.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Sciatica, unspecified side

M54.30
Use when sciatica is present without specific piriformis involvement.

Sciatica, right side

M54.31
Use when sciatica is present without specific piriformis involvement.

Sciatica, left side

M54.32
Use when sciatica is present without specific piriformis involvement.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Piriformis Muscle Syndrome to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G57.01.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials and revenue loss.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify laterality in clinical documentation., Double-check EMR entries for completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on procedure types performed.

Mitigation Strategy

Use 20552 for trigger point injections into the piriformis muscle.

Impact

Failure to specify laterality can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation includes laterality where applicable.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Piriformis Muscle Syndrome, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Piriformis Muscle Syndrome

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Piriformis Muscle Syndrome. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Piriformis syndrome with right-sided symptoms

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Physical exam findings
  • Positive clinical tests
  • Imaging results
  • Injection details

Example Documentation

Patient presents with right buttock pain. Exam reveals tenderness at the right sciatic notch, positive Pace sign, and positive FAIR test. MRI shows no lumbar radiculopathy. EMG confirms delayed H-reflex latency. Performed US-guided injection with 80% relief.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has piriformis syndrome. Injection given.
Good Documentation Example
45yo F with 6mo hx right buttock pain (VAS 7/10) exacerbated by sitting >30min. Exam: Tenderness R sciatic notch, +Pace sign (pain/weakness resisted ER/abduction), +FAIR test (pain <20s). MRI lumbar spine neg for radiculopathy. EMG: R H-reflex 3.3ms vs L 2.1ms. US-guided 20552 injection R piriformis with 80% relief x4hrs. Plan: PT for hip ER strengthening.
Explanation
The good example provides comprehensive documentation of clinical findings, diagnostic tests, and treatment details.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Piriformis Muscle Syndrome? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more