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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG57.00

G57.00

Billable

Lesion of sciatic nerve, unspecified lower limb

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G57.00 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of lesion of sciatic nerve, unspecified lower limb.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The G57.00 code refers to a lesion of the sciatic nerve in the lower limb, which can result from various etiologies including trauma, compression, or systemic diseases. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, originating from the lumbar and sacral plexus and extending down the posterior aspect of the leg. Lesions can lead to symptoms such as pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the affected limb. The condition may arise from conditions like herniated discs, piriformis syndrome, or direct trauma. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, patient history, and may include imaging studies or nerve conduction studies to assess the extent of nerve damage. Treatment options vary based on the underlying cause and may include physical therapy, medications, or surgical intervention. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the patient's condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and symptoms
  • Need for comprehensive patient history
  • Potential for multiple underlying causes
  • Differentiation from other neuropathies

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of symptoms
  • Lack of detailed patient history
  • Inadequate justification for nerve conduction studies
  • Failure to specify laterality when applicable

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological examination findings, including sensory and motor assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with sciatica, radiculopathy, or unexplained lower limb weakness.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the severity and duration of symptoms, as well as any prior treatments.

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes, imaging results, and physical examination findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with trauma-related sciatic nerve injuries or post-surgical complications.

Billing Considerations

Document any surgical interventions or conservative management strategies employed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G57.00 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the lesion is confirmed and not due to other conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G57.00 When
  • Exclude conditions that are more specific or have distinct codes

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

95903CPT Code

Nerve conduction study, upper or lower limb

Clinical Scenario

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

Documentation Requirements

Document the rationale for the nerve conduction study and the specific nerves tested.

Specialty Considerations

Neurologists should ensure that the study results correlate with clinical findings.

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, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. G57.00 provides a framework for capturing unspecified lesions, which can help in tracking epidemiological trends.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nerve lesions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. G57.00 provides a framework for capturing unspecified lesions, which can help in tracking epidemiological trends.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nerve lesions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. G57.00 provides a framework for capturing unspecified lesions, which can help in tracking epidemiological trends.

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

When should I use G57.00 instead of a more specific code?

Use G57.00 when the lesion of the sciatic nerve is confirmed but the specific laterality is not documented or when the clinical scenario does not allow for specification.