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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG43.01

G43.01

Billable

Migraine without aura, intractable

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 G43.01 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of migraine without aura, intractable.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Migraine without aura, intractable, is characterized by recurrent headaches that are severe and debilitating, occurring without the presence of aura symptoms. These migraines are classified as intractable when they are resistant to standard treatment protocols, leading to significant impairment in daily functioning. Patients may experience episodes that last from 4 to 72 hours, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The intractable nature of these migraines can result in frequent emergency room visits and the need for advanced therapeutic interventions. Triggers for these migraines can include stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, and environmental factors. Effective management often requires a multidisciplinary approach, including pharmacological treatments, lifestyle modifications, and preventive therapies. Understanding the complexities of this condition is crucial for accurate coding and appropriate patient care.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in patient presentation and response to treatment
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of intractability
  • Differentiation from other headache disorders
  • Potential for overlapping diagnoses

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of intractability
  • Lack of detailed treatment history
  • Failure to document triggers and patient response
  • Inconsistent coding of related headache disorders

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of headache frequency, duration, and severity; documentation of treatment response.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic migraines unresponsive to standard therapies.

Billing Considerations

Neurologists must ensure comprehensive documentation to support the intractable designation.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Thorough patient history and documentation of lifestyle factors and triggers.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with recurrent migraines seeking management strategies.

Billing Considerations

Primary care providers should document referrals to specialists when migraines are intractable.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G43.01 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, G43
  • 01 should be used when the migraine is documented as intractable and without aura
  • It is essential to ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation indicating the severity and frequency of episodes

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G43.01 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99214CPT Code

Established patient office visit, level 4

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits for patients with chronic intractable migraines.

Documentation Requirements

Document history of present illness, review of systems, and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Neurologists may require additional documentation of neurological assessments.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of migraine types, including intractable migraines, which aids in better tracking and management of these conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of migraine types, including intractable migraines, which aids in better tracking and management of these conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of migraine types, including intractable migraines, which aids in better tracking and management of these conditions.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Migraine Foundation

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Migraine Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes intractable migraines from other types?

Intractable migraines are defined by their resistance to standard treatment protocols, leading to significant impairment in daily activities. This contrasts with episodic migraines, which may respond to typical treatments.