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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG57.02

G57.02

Billable

Lesion of sciatic nerve, left lower limb

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 G57.02 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of lesion of sciatic nerve, left lower limb.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A lesion of the sciatic nerve in the left lower limb can result from various etiologies, including trauma, compression, or systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, originating from the lumbosacral plexus and extending down the posterior aspect of the leg. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the left leg, often radiating from the lower back or buttock down to the foot. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, patient history, and may include imaging studies or nerve conduction studies to assess the integrity and function of the nerve. Treatment options vary based on the underlying cause and may include physical therapy, medications for pain relief, or surgical intervention in cases of severe compression. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and to reflect the patient's condition accurately in medical records.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between types of nerve lesions (traumatic vs. non-traumatic)
  • Understanding the anatomical implications of the sciatic nerve's pathway
  • Identifying associated conditions that may complicate the diagnosis
  • Documenting the severity and impact on function

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the lesion's cause
  • Failure to document associated symptoms or functional limitations
  • Misclassification of the lesion type
  • Lack of supporting diagnostic tests in the medical record

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological examination findings, imaging results, and nerve conduction study reports.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unilateral leg pain, weakness, or sensory deficits.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the specific nerve affected and the clinical significance of the findings.

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes, imaging studies, and pre-operative assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with sciatic nerve lesions due to herniated discs or trauma requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Document the relationship between orthopedic conditions and nerve lesions to support coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G57.02 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when there is clear documentation of a lesion of the sciatic nerve in the left lower limb

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G57.02 When
  • Exclude codes for other types of neuropathies unless specified

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

95870CPT Code

Nerve conduction studies

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate the function of the sciatic nerve in patients with suspected lesions.

Documentation Requirements

Results of nerve conduction studies must be documented in the patient's medical record.

Specialty Considerations

Neurologists should ensure that the studies are interpreted in the context of clinical findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 allows for more specific coding of nerve lesions, improving the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes. G57.02 provides specificity that was not available in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 allows for more specific coding of nerve lesions, improving the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes. G57.02 provides specificity that was not available in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. G57.02 provides specificity that was not available in ICD-9.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of a lesion of the sciatic nerve?

Common causes include trauma, herniated discs, tumors, and systemic conditions such as diabetes mellitus. Each cause may present with different symptoms and require specific diagnostic approaches.