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ICD-10 Coding for Piriformis Pain(G57.00, G57.01, G57.02, M62.838)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Piriformis Pain. 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 Pain

G57.00-G57.02Primary Range

Lesion of sciatic nerve

Primary range for conditions involving sciatic nerve compression by the piriformis muscle.

Other muscle spasm

Used when muscle spasm is the dominant feature without nerve involvement.

Sciatica and lumbago with sciatica

Used when piriformis etiology is unconfirmed or when sciatica is present without specific piriformis involvement.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G57.00Lesion of sciatic nerve, unspecified sideUse when laterality is unconfirmed and sciatic nerve compression by the piriformis is documented.
  • Sciatic nerve compression documented
  • Absence of spinal pathology
G57.01Lesion of sciatic nerve, right sideUse when right-sided sciatic nerve compression by the piriformis is confirmed.
  • Right sciatic notch tenderness
  • Pain worsens with internal rotation
G57.02Lesion of sciatic nerve, left sideUse when left-sided sciatic nerve compression by the piriformis is confirmed.
  • Left sciatic notch tenderness
  • Pain worsens with internal rotation
M62.838Other muscle spasmUse when muscle spasm is the dominant feature without nerve involvement.
  • Palpable piriformis spasm
  • Relief with trigger point injection

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 pain

Essential facts and insights about Piriformis Pain

The ICD-10 code for piriformis pain, when involving sciatic nerve compression, is G57.00-G57.02 depending on laterality.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for piriformis pain

Lesion of sciatic nerve, unspecified side
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Sciatic nerve compression by piriformis

documentation Criteria

  • Absence of spinal pathology

Applicable To

  • Sciatic nerve compression by piriformis

Excludes

  • Sciatica due to disc disorder

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Sciatic nerve compression documented
  • Absence of spinal pathology

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use when laterality is known

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies nerve compression by the piriformis.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other muscle spasm

M62.838
Use when muscle spasm is present alongside nerve compression.

Differential Codes

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

Sciatica

M54.3
Use when piriformis involvement is not confirmed.

Sciatica, right side

M54.31
Use when nerve compression is unproven.

Sciatica, left side

M54.32
Use when nerve compression is unproven.

Myalgia

M79.1
Use when no nerve compression exists.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Piriformis Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G57.00.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incorrect diagnosis and treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify right or left side in documentation., Use imaging to confirm laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: May result in compliance issues during audits., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of clinical data and patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Link G57.0x to EMG/MRI findings excluding disc pathology

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect procedure coding can affect reimbursement., Compliance: May lead to audit discrepancies., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of procedural data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use 20552 + 76942 for ultrasound-guided muscle injection

Impact

Using sciatica codes instead of specific piriformis syndrome codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the specific diagnosis of piriformis syndrome.

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 Pain, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Piriformis Pain

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

Definitive Piriformis Syndrome

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history of gluteal pain
  • Physical exam findings
  • Imaging results
  • EMG findings
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Pt presents with 6-month history of right gluteal pain worsening with sitting. Exam: Tenderness at right greater sciatic notch, Pace/Freiberg signs positive. MRI lumbar spine unremarkable. EMG shows prolonged H-reflex latency on right hip flexion. Diagnosis: Right piriformis syndrome.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Buttock pain radiating to leg.
Good Documentation Example
Tenderness over right sciatic notch with reproduction of symptoms on resisted hip abduction/external rotation (Pace sign positive).
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and test results, supporting the diagnosis.

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

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