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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG57.0

G57.0

Billable

Lesion of sciatic nerve

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G57.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of lesion of sciatic nerve.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A lesion of the sciatic nerve refers to any injury or damage to the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the human body. It originates from the lumbar and sacral plexus and travels down the back of the leg. Lesions can result from various causes, including trauma, compression, or systemic diseases such as diabetes. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the lower extremities, particularly along the distribution of the sciatic nerve. The condition can lead to significant functional impairment and may require a multidisciplinary approach for management, including physical therapy, pain management, and possibly surgical intervention if conservative measures fail. Accurate diagnosis often involves a thorough clinical examination, imaging studies, and nerve conduction studies to assess the extent of nerve damage and to rule out other conditions that may mimic sciatic nerve lesions.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes (trauma, systemic diseases)
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of symptoms and history
  • Differentiation from other neuropathies and nerve entrapments
  • Potential for co-morbid conditions affecting coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the cause of the lesion
  • Failure to specify the type of lesion (e.g., traumatic vs. non-traumatic)
  • Misclassification of symptoms related to other nerve conditions
  • Lack of supporting diagnostic tests (e.g., nerve conduction studies)

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological examination findings, including sensory and motor deficits.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Documentation should include the onset, duration, and progression of symptoms.

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes if applicable, imaging results, and physical examination findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Post-traumatic cases where the sciatic nerve may be compressed or injured.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of co-existing musculoskeletal injuries that may affect nerve function.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G57.0 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, G57
  • 0 should be used when there is a confirmed diagnosis of a lesion of the sciatic nerve
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis, including the cause and nature of the lesion

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G57.0 When
  • Exclusion criteria include conditions that are not directly related to the sciatic nerve

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

Document the rationale for the study and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Neurologists should ensure comprehensive reports are available for accurate coding.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nerve lesions, including G57.0, which enhances the ability to capture the complexity of nerve injuries and their causes. This specificity aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nerve lesions, including G57.0, which enhances the ability to capture the complexity of nerve injuries and their causes. This specificity aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nerve lesions, including G57.0, which enhances the ability to capture the complexity of nerve injuries and their causes. This specificity aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

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, compression from herniated discs, tumors, or systemic conditions like diabetes that can lead to neuropathy.