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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG57.20

G57.20

Billable

Lesion of femoral nerve, unspecified lower limb

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G57.20 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of lesion of femoral nerve, unspecified lower limb.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A lesion of the femoral nerve can result from various etiologies, including trauma, compression, or systemic diseases. The femoral nerve is responsible for innervating the quadriceps muscle, which is crucial for knee extension, as well as providing sensation to the anterior thigh and part of the medial leg. Symptoms of a femoral nerve lesion may include weakness in knee extension, loss of knee reflex, and sensory deficits in the affected areas. The condition can arise from direct trauma, such as fractures of the pelvis or femur, or from compression due to tumors, hematomas, or prolonged pressure during surgical procedures. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, nerve conduction studies, and possibly imaging studies to identify the underlying cause. Treatment may include physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgical intervention to relieve 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

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms.
  • Need for precise documentation of the lesion's cause.
  • Differentiation from other neuropathies and nerve lesions.
  • Potential for co-existing conditions affecting the lower limb.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the lesion's etiology.
  • Failure to specify laterality when applicable.
  • Misclassification of the condition as a different neuropathy.
  • Lack of supporting diagnostic tests in the medical record.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological examination findings, including motor and sensory assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with weakness in knee extension or sensory loss in the anterior thigh.

Billing Considerations

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

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes and imaging studies that may indicate nerve compression or injury.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Post-operative patients with knee surgeries experiencing nerve-related symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Ensure to document any surgical interventions that may impact nerve function.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G57.20 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the lesion is confirmed and the cause is documented

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G57.20 When
  • Exclude codes for other specific neuropathies or conditions affecting the femoral nerve

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

95900CPT Code

Nerve conduction studies, upper and lower limbs

Clinical Scenario

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

Documentation Requirements

Document the specific nerves tested and the results of the studies.

Specialty Considerations

Neurologists should ensure comprehensive documentation of 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. G57.20 provides a clear designation for femoral nerve lesions, facilitating better patient management and reimbursement processes.

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. G57.20 provides a clear designation for femoral nerve lesions, facilitating better patient management 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 are the common causes of femoral nerve lesions?

Common causes include trauma, compression from tumors or hematomas, and systemic conditions such as diabetes.

How can I differentiate between a femoral nerve lesion and other neuropathies?

Clinical examination focusing on motor and sensory function, along with nerve conduction studies, can help differentiate femoral nerve lesions from other neuropathies.