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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM54.41

M54.41

Billable

Lumbago with sciatica, right side

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/17/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 M54.41 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of lumbago with sciatica, right side.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Lumbago with sciatica, right side (M54.41) refers to a condition characterized by lower back pain (lumbago) that is accompanied by pain radiating down the right leg due to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. This condition often arises from various underlying causes, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease. Patients typically present with symptoms such as sharp or shooting pain, numbness, or tingling sensations along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the buttocks and down each leg. The pain may worsen with prolonged sitting, standing, or certain movements. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by imaging studies like MRI or CT scans when necessary. Treatment options vary and can include conservative management such as physical therapy, medications (NSAIDs, muscle relaxants), and lifestyle modifications. In cases where conservative measures fail, surgical interventions like discectomy or laminectomy may be considered to relieve nerve compression. Understanding the nuances of this condition is crucial for accurate coding and effective patient management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between lumbago and other types of back pain
  • Identifying the specific side of sciatica (right side in this case)
  • Understanding the underlying causes of sciatica
  • Documenting the severity and duration of symptoms

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the specific side affected
  • Failure to document the underlying cause of sciatica
  • Lack of evidence for conservative treatment attempts before surgery
  • Misclassification of the type of back pain

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute or chronic back pain, often following trauma or degenerative changes.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the severity of symptoms and response to conservative treatments.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments, treatment goals, and progress notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation of patients post-surgery or those undergoing conservative management for sciatica.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the patient's functional limitations and response to therapy is crucial.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M54.41 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, M54
  • 41 should be used when the documentation specifies lumbago with sciatica on the right side
  • It is essential to ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical findings and that the specific side is clearly documented

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M54.41 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

63030CPT Code

Laminectomy, lumbar

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for decompression of the sciatic nerve.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indication for surgery.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the specific findings that necessitate surgery.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like lumbago with sciatica, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like lumbago with sciatica, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like lumbago with sciatica, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better treatment planning.

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 is the difference between M54.41 and M54.40?

M54.41 specifies lumbago with sciatica on the right side, while M54.40 is used when the side is unspecified. Accurate documentation of the affected side is crucial for proper coding.