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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG43.019

G43.019

Billable

Migraine without aura, intractable, without status migrainosus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G43.019 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of migraine without aura, intractable, without status migrainosus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Migraine without aura, intractable, without status migrainosus refers to a severe form of migraine headache that occurs without the preceding neurological symptoms known as aura. This condition is characterized by recurrent headaches that are often debilitating and resistant to standard treatment protocols. Patients may experience intense, pulsating pain typically localized to one side of the head, accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The term 'intractable' indicates that the migraines are not adequately controlled by conventional therapies, necessitating a more aggressive treatment approach. Unlike status migrainosus, which is defined by a migraine attack lasting more than 72 hours, this code applies to patients who experience frequent, severe migraines that do not meet this criterion but still significantly impair their quality of life. Effective management often requires a combination of acute and preventive treatments, including lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, and possibly alternative therapies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between types of migraines (with and without aura)
  • Identifying intractable migraines versus those that are manageable
  • Understanding the nuances of migraine status definitions
  • Documenting the severity and frequency of migraine attacks

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of migraine frequency and severity
  • Failure to document treatment attempts and responses
  • Misclassification of migraine type (with aura vs. without aura)
  • Lack of clear differentiation from status migrainosus

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed headache diaries, treatment history, and response to medications.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent, severe headaches that do not respond to standard treatments.

Billing Considerations

Neurologists must document the specific characteristics of the migraine attacks and any associated symptoms.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history, including triggers and lifestyle factors.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients seeking management for chronic migraines and discussing preventive strategies.

Billing Considerations

Primary care providers should ensure thorough documentation of treatment plans and patient education.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G43.019 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, G43
  • 019 should be used when the migraine is documented as intractable and without aura
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that the criteria for intractability are met

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G43.019 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits for migraine management.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's migraine history, treatment response, and any changes in symptoms.

Specialty Considerations

Neurologists may require more detailed documentation of neurological examinations.

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, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking. G43.019 provides a clear distinction for intractable migraines, which can help in tailoring treatment plans and understanding patient populations.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of migraine types, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking. G43.019 provides a clear distinction for intractable migraines, which can help in tailoring treatment plans and understanding patient populations.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

impact on daily functioning. Providers should ensure that all relevant information is included in the medical record to support the diagnosis.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Migraine Foundation

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Migraine Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes intractable migraines from regular migraines?

Intractable migraines are those that do not respond to standard treatments and significantly impair the patient's quality of life, whereas regular migraines may be managed effectively with typical therapies.