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
Sciatica
Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, often related to piriformis syndrome.
Myalgia
Muscle pain, which can include piriformis muscle pain.
Other mononeuropathies
Nerve disorders not elsewhere classified, potentially encompassing piriformis related nerve compression.
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?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Buttock pain, often radiating down the leg |
Lumbar disc herniation |
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction |
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.
Misdiagnosing sciatica (M54.4) as piriformis pain or vice versa can impact reimbursement. Proper clinical documentation is crucial for accurate coding.
Insufficient documentation of physical exam findings and diagnostic testing to support piriformis pain diagnosis (M54.3) can cause audit issues and rejected claims.
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).