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G57.00
ICD-10-CM
Piriformis Pain

Find information on piriformis syndrome diagnosis, including clinical documentation tips, ICD-10 codes (M54.3), and medical coding guidelines. Learn about piriformis muscle pain, symptoms, differential diagnosis considerations, and best practices for accurate healthcare record keeping related to piriformis pain. This resource offers guidance for clinicians and coding professionals on properly documenting and coding piriformis syndrome for optimal reimbursement and patient care. Explore resources for piriformis syndrome treatment and management.

Also known as

Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis Muscle Pain

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Sciatic nerve pain caused by piriformis muscle compression.
  • Clinical Signs : Buttock pain radiating down the leg, worsened by sitting or hip rotation.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, sports medicine, physical therapy

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC G57.00 Coding
M54.3

Sciatica

Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, often related to piriformis syndrome.

M79.1

Myalgia

Muscle pain, which can include piriformis muscle pain.

G57.0-

Other mononeuropathies

Nerve disorders not elsewhere classified, potentially encompassing piriformis related nerve compression.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the piriformis pain traumatic?

  • Yes

    Current injury?

  • No

    Is there entrapment of the sciatic nerve?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Buttock pain, often radiating down the leg
Lumbar disc herniation
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Piriformis syndrome diagnosis documented
  • Symptoms: sciatica, buttock pain, worsened by sitting
  • Palpation tenderness over piriformis muscle noted
  • Positive FAIR test or piriformis stretch test documented
  • Exclusion of other diagnoses (disc herniation, SI joint dysfunction)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Laterality

    Coding Piriformis pain without specifying right, left, or bilateral side can lead to claim denials and inaccurate data reporting. Use M54.31, M54.32, or M54.33.

  • Sciatica Confusion

    Misdiagnosing sciatica (M54.4) as piriformis pain or vice versa can impact reimbursement. Proper clinical documentation is crucial for accurate coding.

  • Lacking Supporting Documentation

    Insufficient documentation of physical exam findings and diagnostic testing to support piriformis pain diagnosis (M54.3) can cause audit issues and rejected claims.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10 coding (M54.3) for Piriformis Syndrome is crucial for reimbursement.
  • Thorough documentation of symptoms, physical exam findings, and prior treatments aids CDI.
  • Consider EMG/Nerve studies to rule out sciatica and other nerve impingements, improving diagnosis specificity.
  • Conservative treatment (NSAIDs, physical therapy) should be documented before invasive procedures for compliance.
  • Consistent documentation practices ensure proper medical coding and minimize healthcare compliance risks.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Palpate piriformis muscle: tenderness/pain?
  • 2. FAIR test positive (flexion, adduction, internal rotation)?
  • 3. Sciatic nerve pain radiating down leg?
  • 4. Exclude other lumbar/SI joint pathologies.
  • 5. Document symptoms, exam findings, and diagnosis (ICD-10 M54.3).

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Piriformis Pain: Coding accuracy impacts reimbursement for M65.87 (ICD-10), CPT varies with treatment. Proper documentation crucial.
  • Quality metrics: Functional outcomes, pain reduction, patient satisfaction scores affected by Piriformis Syndrome diagnosis coding.
  • Hospital reporting: Accurate Piriformis Pain coding improves data analysis for resource allocation and treatment effectiveness.
  • Denial management: Precise coding of Piriformis Syndrome (M65.87) minimizes claim denials, optimizes revenue cycle.

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 M54.3 for piriformis syndrome
  • Document radiating pain to leg
  • Exclude disc herniation (M51)
  • Consider G57.0 for nerve entrapment
  • Confirm with EMG/imaging if needed

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with piriformis syndrome, characterized by buttock pain, sciatica pain radiating down the posterior thigh, and possible leg numbness or tingling.  Onset of symptoms was reported as [onset - gradual/sudden] and related to [possible cause - prolonged sitting, trauma, overuse].  Pain is described as [pain quality - sharp, dull, aching, burning] and exacerbated by [exacerbating factors - sitting, hip internal rotation, pressure on the buttock].  Physical examination revealed [positive findings - tenderness over the piriformis muscle, positive Freiberg sign, limited hip internal rotation and abduction, pain with the FAIR test].  Negative findings include [negative findings - absence of neurological deficits, normal reflexes].  Differential diagnoses considered include lumbar disc herniation, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and hamstring strain.  Based on the clinical presentation and physical examination findings, the diagnosis of piriformis muscle pain syndrome is most likely.  Treatment plan includes [treatment plan - conservative management with physical therapy focusing on piriformis stretches, strengthening exercises, and myofascial release;  NSAIDs for pain management;  consideration for corticosteroid injection if conservative treatment fails].  Patient education provided regarding activity modification, proper posture, and home exercises.  Follow-up scheduled in [duration] to assess response to treatment and adjust the plan as needed.  ICD-10 code: M79.1 (Myalgia and myositis, unspecified).