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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG57.03

G57.03

Billable

Lesion of sciatic nerve, bilateral lower limbs

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G57.03 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of lesion of sciatic nerve, bilateral lower limbs.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A lesion of the sciatic nerve 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 lumbar and sacral plexus and extending down the posterior aspect of the leg. Bilateral lesions may present with symptoms such as pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in both lower limbs. Clinically, patients may exhibit difficulty in walking, standing, or performing daily activities due to compromised motor and sensory functions. 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 management, or surgical interventions in cases of severe compression or injury. 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

  • Bilateral involvement complicates documentation and coding.
  • Differentiating between types of nerve lesions requires detailed clinical information.
  • Potential overlap with other neuropathies necessitates careful consideration.
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and functional limitations.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of bilateral symptoms.
  • Failure to specify the underlying cause of the nerve lesion.
  • Misclassification of the type of nerve injury.
  • Lack of supporting diagnostic tests in the medical record.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological examination findings, including sensory and motor assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with bilateral leg pain, weakness, or numbness.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the bilateral nature of the condition and any relevant diagnostic tests performed.

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Post-surgical patients with sciatic nerve lesions due to herniated discs or trauma.

Billing Considerations

Document any surgical interventions and their outcomes to support coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G57.03 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, G57
  • 03 should be used when there is clear documentation of a lesion of the sciatic nerve affecting both lower limbs

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G57.03 When
  • Exclusion criteria include conditions that do not specifically involve the sciatic nerve or are not bilateral

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 documentation of symptoms and test results.

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 bilateral conditions, which enhances the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nerve lesions, including bilateral conditions, which enhances the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 documentation is needed to support the use of G57.03?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical assessment of the patient's symptoms, the results of any diagnostic tests such as imaging or nerve conduction studies, and a clear statement of the bilateral nature of the sciatic nerve lesion.