Orthopedic Coding Alert
Reader Questions:
Look for Combo Code for This Common 2-Condition Dx
Published on Wed Sep 07, 2022
Question: If a patient has lumbago and sciatica, should I report each condition separately? Or is there a combination code for this condition?
New Jersey Subscriber
Answer: Actually, there is a diagnosis code that encompasses lumbago and sciatica. Choose one of the following codes to represent lumbago and sciatica, depending on encounter specifics:
- M54.40 (Lumbago with sciatica, unspecified side)
- M54.41 (Lumbago with sciatica, right side)
- M54.42 (Lumbago with sciatica, left side).
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