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ICD-10 Coding for Low Back Pain with Sciatica(M54.31, M51.16, M51.17)

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Learn about ICD-10 coding for low back pain with sciatica, including specific codes for laterality and documentation requirements.

Also known as:
Lumbago with SciaticaSciatica with Low Back Pain
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Low Back Pain with Sciatica

M00-M99Primary Range

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue

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Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescription
M54.31Sciatica, right side
M54.32Sciatica, left side
M54.41Lumbago with sciatica, right side
M54.42Lumbago with sciatica, left side
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes
Sciatica, right side
M54.31Billable
Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Low back pain, unspecifiedM54.5

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Low Back Pain with Sciatica.

Failing to document laterality

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment plans, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation

Train staff on documentation standards, Use checklists for patient assessments

Using M54.5 when sciatica is present

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials due to incorrect coding., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on patient conditions and treatments.

Mitigation

Use M54.3- or M54.4- codes when sciatica is documented.

Unspecified coding

Impact

Using unspecified codes when laterality is documented.

Mitigation

Implement documentation audits and training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related condition guides

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with M54.31.