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G57.00
ICD-10-CM
Piriformis Muscle Syndrome

Find information on Piriformis Muscle Syndrome diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10-CM code G57.1), and healthcare resources. Learn about symptoms, treatment, and differential diagnosis for piriformis syndrome. Explore relevant medical terminology, clinical findings, and diagnostic criteria for accurate documentation and coding in healthcare settings. This resource provides essential information for medical professionals, coders, and patients seeking to understand Piriformis Muscle Syndrome.

Also known as

Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis Muscle Pain

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Sciatic nerve compression by the piriformis muscle, causing buttock and leg pain.
  • Clinical Signs : Buttock pain radiating down the leg, worsened by sitting or hip rotation.
  • Common Settings : Outpatient clinics, physical therapy, pain management centers.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC G57.00 Coding
M62.83

Piriformis syndrome

Pain and other symptoms caused by compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle.

G57.0-

Other mononeuropathies of lower limb

Nerve disorders affecting a single nerve in the lower limb, not otherwise specified.

M79.1-

Myalgia

Muscle pain, including that which may be associated with piriformis syndrome.

M54.5-

Low back pain

Pain in the lower back, which may be a symptom of piriformis syndrome or a contributing factor.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the diagnosis Piriformis Syndrome?

  • Yes

    Trauma related?

  • No

    Do NOT code for Piriformis Syndrome. Evaluate for alternative diagnosis.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Buttock pain, sciatica-like symptoms
Lumbar disc herniation
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Piriformis syndrome diagnosis documented
  • Symptoms: Sciatica pain, buttock tenderness
  • Palpation findings: Piriformis tightness, pain
  • Positive SLR or FAIR test documented
  • Exclude other causes of sciatica (disc herniation)

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10 coding (M54.3) for Piriformis Syndrome
  • Thorough documentation of physical exam findings for CDI
  • Consider EMG/NCS for differential diagnosis, comply with payer policies
  • Correlate symptoms with imaging (MRI/CT) findings for compliance
  • Document treatment response for optimized HCC coding and risk adjustment

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Palpate piriformis muscle: tenderness/pain?
  • 2. Positive FAIR test result?
  • 3. Sciatica symptoms: pain, numbness, tingling?
  • 4. Rule out other lumbar spine pathologies.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Piriformis Muscle Syndrome: Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Impact Summary
  • ICD-10-CM: M79.11 (primary), appropriate modifiers crucial for accurate reimbursement.
  • Focus on medical coding accuracy for EMG/NCS studies supporting diagnosis, impacts RVUs.
  • Pain management documentation quality affects hospital reporting on patient outcomes, HCAHPS.
  • Timely and accurate coding minimizes claim denials, improves revenue cycle management (RCM).

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code primary piriformis syndrome M65.3
  • Exclude sciatica G57.1 if primary
  • Document physical exam findings
  • Consider imaging confirmation
  • Link to activity/trauma if applicable

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with piriformis syndrome, characterized by buttock pain, sciatica pain radiating down the leg, and sometimes numbness or tingling in the affected extremity.  Onset of symptoms was gradual, described as a deep aching or burning pain in the buttock, exacerbated by prolonged sitting, driving, or activities that involve external hip rotation.  Physical examination revealed tenderness over the piriformis muscle region, positive Freiberg sign (pain with passive internal hip rotation), and a positive Pace sign (pain with resisted abduction and external rotation of the hip).  Differential diagnosis includes lumbar disc herniation, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and other causes of sciatica.  Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine was ordered to rule out disc pathology and other nerve root compression.  Initial treatment plan includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain management, piriformis muscle stretches, physical therapy focusing on strengthening surrounding hip musculature and improving flexibility, and patient education on activity modification to avoid aggravating factors.  Diagnosis of piriformis syndrome is supported by clinical findings, and further evaluation will be conducted if symptoms do not improve with conservative management.  Medical billing codes will reflect evaluation and management services, musculoskeletal examination, and therapeutic exercise instruction.  Follow-up appointment scheduled in two weeks to assess response to treatment and discuss further management options, including potential referral for injection therapy or other interventions if indicated.