M54.3
Non-Billable

Sciatica

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Sciatica?

ICD-10-CM M54.3 is the diagnosis code for Sciatica. This code falls under the section "Other dorsopathies" within Chapter 13 — Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

⛔ Excludes1

Coding Guidelines for M54.3

⛔ Type 1 Excludes (Never code together)

The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as M54.3. They are mutually exclusive:

  • intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region with lower extremity pain only (M51.361)
  • intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbosacral region with lower extremity pain only (M51.371)
  • lesion of sciatic nerve (G57.0)
  • sciatica due to intervertebral disc disorder (M51.1-)
  • sciatica with lumbago (M54.4-)

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where M54.3 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 3 entries
M54.30Sciatica, unspecified sideBillableM54.31Sciatica, right sideBillableM54.32Sciatica, left sideBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is M54.3 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, M54.3 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does M54.3 mean?

M54.3 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Sciatica". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of M54.3?

The parent code of M54.3 is M54 ("Dorsalgia"). M54.3 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is M54.3 in?

M54.3 is located in Section M50-M54 — "Other dorsopathies" within Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of M54.3?

M54.3 has 3 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: M54.30, M54.31, M54.32.

When should I use M54.3?

Use M54.3 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Sciatica" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Sciatica?

The ICD-10-CM code for Sciatica is M54.3.

Can M54.3 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, M54.3 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is M54.3 in?

M54.3 is in Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What conditions are excluded from M54.3?

Type 1 Excludes for M54.3 include: intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region with lower extremity pain only (M51.361); intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbosacral region with lower extremity pain only (M51.371); lesion of sciatic nerve (G57.0) and more.

Is M54.3 valid for 2026?

Yes, M54.3 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousM54.2CervicalgiaNext →M54.30Sciatica, unspecified side
Code Details
M54.3
Sciatica
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
13 — Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99)
M50-M54 — Other dorsopathies
2026 ICD-10-CM