Find information on Meralgia Paresthetica diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 code (G57.1), lateral femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment, symptoms like thigh numbness and burning pain, treatment options, and differential diagnosis. This resource provides healthcare professionals with key insights for accurate medical coding and patient care related to Meralgia Paresthetica. Learn about diagnostic criteria, relevant anatomy, and best practices for managing this condition.
Also known as
Meralgia paresthetica
Burning, tingling, numbness in outer thigh.
Nerve root and plexus disorders
Conditions affecting nerve roots and plexuses.
Neuralgia and neuritis, unspecified
Nerve pain not otherwise specified.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the diagnosis Meralgia Paresthetica?
Yes
Is it due to trauma or pressure?
No
Do NOT code as Meralgia Paresthetica. Review clinical documentation for alternative diagnosis.
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Numbness, tingling outer thigh |
| Lumbar radiculopathy |
| Femoral neuropathy |
Coding lacks laterality (right, left, bilateral), impacting reimbursement and data accuracy. CDI should query for clarification.
Coding pain/numbness instead of Meralgia Paresthetica leads to underreporting and inaccurate clinical data. CDI should ensure appropriate diagnosis coding.
Coding suspected or probable Meralgia Paresthetica without confirmatory testing may lead to audit denials. CDI should verify diagnosis validity.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with meralgia paresthetica. Symptoms include burning pain, tingling, numbness, and paresthesia in the anterolateral thigh, corresponding to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve distribution. Onset of symptoms was (gradual/sudden) and related to (patient-reported causative factor, e.g., tight clothing, prolonged standing, weight gain, recent surgery). Physical examination reveals (positive/negative) Tinel's sign at the inguinal ligament. No motor weakness is noted. Sensation is otherwise intact in the lower extremity. Differential diagnosis includes lumbar radiculopathy, femoral neuropathy, and ilioinguinal nerve entrapment. Assessment: Meralgia paresthetica (ICD-10 code: G57.1). Plan: Conservative management is recommended, including weight loss if indicated, avoidance of tight clothing, and activity modification. Patient education provided regarding the condition and prognosis. Pharmacological management with NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) or gabapentinoids (e.g., pregabalin) for pain control will be considered if symptoms persist. Referral to physical therapy for nerve gliding exercises and core strengthening may be beneficial. Follow-up scheduled in ( timeframe) to assess response to treatment. Surgical decompression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve will be considered if conservative measures fail to provide adequate relief.