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ICD-10 Coding for Piriformis Syndrome(G57.01, G57.02, M62.85)

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

Also known as:

Piriformis Muscle SyndromePiriformis Syndrome with Sciatica

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Piriformis Syndrome

G57.0-G57.9Primary Range

Mononeuropathies of lower limb

Includes codes for piriformis syndrome with sciatic nerve involvement.

Other specified disorders of muscle

Includes codes for piriformis muscle disorder without sciatic nerve involvement.

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 right-sided piriformis syndrome with sciatic nerve compression is confirmed.
  • Right-sided deep buttock pain radiating to posterior thigh
  • Positive Pace/Freiberg signs
  • MRI excludes lumbar pathology
G57.02Lesion of sciatic nerve, left lower limbUse when left-sided piriformis syndrome with sciatic nerve compression is confirmed.
  • Left piriformis tenderness on palpation
  • Pain exacerbated by prolonged sitting
  • Resolved with trigger point injection
M62.85Muscle spasmUse when piriformis muscle disorder is present without sciatic nerve involvement.
  • Piriformis spasm confirmed on EMG
  • No radicular symptoms or neurological deficits

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 syndrome

Essential facts and insights about Piriformis Syndrome

The ICD-10 codes for piriformis syndrome include G57.01 for right-sided, G57.02 for left-sided, and M62.85 for muscle disorder without sciatica.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for piriformis syndrom

Lesion of sciatic nerve, right lower limb
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of right-sided buttock pain with sciatic nerve compression

Applicable To

  • Right-sided piriformis syndrome with sciatic nerve compression

Excludes

  • Sciatica without piriformis involvement

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Right-sided deep buttock pain radiating to posterior thigh
  • Positive Pace/Freiberg signs
  • MRI excludes lumbar pathology

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with sciatica without piriformis involvement

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Myalgia

M79.1
Use as a secondary code for generalized muscle pain accompanying piriformis dysfunction.

Differential Codes

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

Sciatica, unspecified side

M54.30
Use only if sciatic nerve involvement is explicitly documented without piriformis syndrome.

Lesion of sciatic nerve, right lower limb

G57.01
Use when sciatic nerve involvement is confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Piriformis 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: Impacts treatment accuracy., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document side of involvement.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect billing may lead to denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on treatment provided.

Mitigation Strategy

Use 20552 + 76942 for muscle injection

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Potential audit risk., Data Quality: Misrepresentation of clinical condition.

Mitigation Strategy

Use M62.85 for isolated piriformis disorder

Impact

Using M54.3 without documented sciatica.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports sciatica diagnosis.

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

Documentation Templates for Piriformis Syndrome

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

Piriformis Syndrome with Sciatic Nerve Involvement

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Laterality
  • Physical exam findings
  • Imaging results
  • Injection details

Example Documentation

Patient presents with right-sided buttock pain radiating to the thigh. MRI excludes lumbar pathology. Positive Pace sign. Ultrasound-guided injection performed.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Buttock pain present.
Good Documentation Example
Severe right piriformis tenderness with radiation to ipsilateral posterior thigh. Positive Pace sign.
Explanation
The good example specifies laterality and clinical findings, supporting the diagnosis.

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

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