Lumbar Radiculopathy ICD-10-CM Codes

Table of content

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Lumbar Radiculopathy?

If your patient is experiencing the symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy, you may use the ICD-10 code M54.16: Radiculopathy, lumbar region.

For other ICD-10 codes wherein there’s a pain in the lumbar region, you may refer to these lumbar radiculopathy-associated ICD Codes.

Here’s a list of the most common ICD codes for lumbar radiculopathy and their billability:

M54.16: Yes, it is billable because there’s a specified diagnosis of radiculopathy in the lumbar region.
M54.3: No, it is not billable because it isn’t specific enough or valid for fiscal year 2023.
M54.30: Yes, it is billable because there’s a specific diagnosis of sciatica, even if the side is unspecified.
M54.31: Yes, it is billable because there’s a specific diagnosis of sciatica located on the right side.
M54.32: Yes, it is billable because there’s a specific diagnosis of sciatica located on the right side.
M54.4: No, it is not billable because it isn’t specific enough or valid for fiscal year 2023.
M54.40: Yes, it is billable because there’s a specific diagnosis of lumbago with sciatica, even if the side is unspecified.
M54.41:Yes, it is billable because there’s a specific diagnosis of lumbago with sciatica on the right side.
M54.42:Yes, it is billable because there’s a specific diagnosis of lumbago with sciatica located on the left side.

Lumbar radiculopathy, also called sciatica because it involves the sciatic nerve, happens when a nerve root in the lumbar region or lower back is inflamed.
Symptoms are usually pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness/spasms in the lower back or until the leg, groin, buttocks, and hip.
Causes may be as common as injury, poor posture, aging, and obesity or complex and less common as a tumor, diabetes, or an infection.
A practitioner reviews a patient’s medical history and conducts physical tests to diagnose lumbar radiculopathy. And if the pain doesn’t go away after treatment, a practitioner can also ask the patient to undergo imaging tests such as MRIs and CT scans.
Treatments like prescribed medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and steroids are usually recommended first to relieve the patient’s symptoms. In extreme cases, patients may resort to surgery to treat their condition.