M54.42 – Lumbago with sciatica, left side

Explore M54.42 - ICD-10-CM code for Lumbago with Sciatica, left side. Understand its relation to lower back pain and nerve irritation.

By Ashleigh Knowles on Feb 29, 2024.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

Use Code
M54.42  – Lumbago with sciatica, left side

M54.42 Diagnosis Code: Lumbago with sciatica, left side

Clinical Description

  • M54.42 is a specific ICD-10-CM code for 'Lumbago with sciatica, left side.'
  • It signifies low back pain (lumbago) associated with sciatica affecting the left side of the body.
  • Sciatica refers to pain radiating along the path of the sciatic nerve, branching from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg.
  • It usually affects only one side of the body.
  • This code implies that the sciatic nerve irritation likely comes from a lower back problem.
  • Various issues, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or piriformis syndrome, can cause the condition.
  • Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, including numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.

Is M54.42 Billable?

Yes. The M54.42 diagnosis code is billable and can be used for medical billing and reimbursement purposes.

Clinical Information

  • M54.42 documents patients experiencing low back pain associated with sciatica on the left side.
  • The condition can severely impact a person's quality of life and restrict their daily activities.
  • Diagnosis usually involves a combination of a patient's medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies.
  • Management typically involves pain relief measures, physical therapy, and in some severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
  • Prognosis varies depending on the underlying cause, but many people can manage symptoms with non-surgical treatments.

Synonyms Include

  • Left-sided sciatica with lumbago
  • Low back pain with left sciatica
  • Lumbago with left-sided sciatica
  • Sciatic nerve pain, left side, with lumbago
  • Left lumbar radiculopathy with lumbago

Other ICD-10 Codes Commonly Used for Back and Leg Pain

  • M54.5: Low back pain
  • M54.30: Sciatica, unspecified side
  • M54.31: Sciatica, right side
  • M54.41: Lumbago with sciatica, right side
  • M54.16: Radiculopathy, lumbar region
  • M54.17: Radiculopathy, lumbosacral region
  • M51.36: Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region
  • M51.37: Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbosacral region
  • G57.10: Lesion of sciatic nerve, unspecified lower limb
  • M48.06: Spinal stenosis, lumbar region
Physical Therapy Software

Commonly asked questions

When to use a diagnosis code M54.42?

Use M54.42 when a patient presents with low back pain associated with sciatica affecting the left side of the body.

Is the M54.42 diagnosis billable?

Yes, M54.42 is a billable code.

What are the common treatments for M54.42 Diagnosis Code?

Common treatments include pain relievers, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and in severe cases, surgery.

What does diagnosis code M54.42 mean?

M54.42 refers to 'Lumbago with sciatica, left side,' indicating a condition where low back pain is associated with sciatica affecting the left side of the body.

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