M54.31 – Sciatica, right side

Is M54.31 billable?

Yes, M54.31 is abillable code. Billable codes justify admission to an acute care hospital when used as the primary diagnosis.

Clinical information

• As denoted by M54.31, sciatica refers to symptoms, including pain, caused by general compression or irritation of one of five spinal nerve roots of each sciatic nerve—or by compression or irritation of the left, right, or both sciatic nerves caused by a herniated disc, intervertebral disc disorder, spinal stenosis, etc.
• Sciatica symptoms include muscle weakness, numbness, or mild discomfort to severe pain radiating to the lower back (lumbar spine). It can also include buttocks and leg pain.
• Other symptoms are a "pins and needles" sensation or tingling, difficulty moving or controlling the leg, cauda equina syndrome, or a loss of bowel or bladder function.
• Typically, sciatica affects only one side of the body, so symptoms may only manifest in the affected side.
• The pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort.
• Treatment for sciatica that aims for positive patient outcomes without surgery include medication, physical therapy, injections, and other alternative therapies such as acupuncture, spine adjustments, etc.

Synonyms include

• Right sciatica
• Sciatica of the right leg
• Right-sided sciatic pain
• Sciatic nerve pain on the right side
• Right lumbar radiculopathy

Other ICD-10 codes commonly used for sciatica

• M54.30: Sciatica, unspecified side
• M54.32: Sciatica, left side
• M54.40: Lumbago with sciatica, unspecified side
• M54.41: Lumbago with sciatica, right side
• M54.42: Lumbago with sciatica, left side
• M54.10: Radiculopathy, site unspecified
• M54.11: Radiculopathy, occipito-atlanto-axial region
• M54.12: Radiculopathy, cervical region