ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG43.91

G43.91

Billable

Migraine, unspecified, intractable

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G43.91 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of migraine, unspecified, intractable.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Migraine, unspecified, intractable (G43.91) refers to a severe form of migraine headache that is resistant to standard treatment protocols. Patients with intractable migraines experience frequent and debilitating headache episodes that do not respond to typical abortive or preventive therapies. These migraines can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life. The condition is characterized by recurrent headaches that may be unilateral or bilateral, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia. Triggers for these migraines can vary widely and may include stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, environmental factors, and sleep disturbances. Due to the complexity of managing intractable migraines, a multidisciplinary approach involving neurologists, pain specialists, and primary care providers is often necessary. Preventive treatments may include medications such as beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants, as well as lifestyle modifications and alternative therapies. Accurate diagnosis and coding are crucial for effective treatment planning and insurance reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in migraine presentation and triggers
  • Need for comprehensive patient history and documentation
  • Differentiation from other headache disorders
  • Potential for comorbid conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of treatment attempts
  • Failure to specify intractability
  • Misclassification with other headache types
  • Lack of evidence for trigger identification

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including headache frequency, duration, and response to treatments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic migraines that have not responded to standard therapies.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should include any comorbid conditions and the impact of migraines on daily activities.

Pain Management

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive pain assessments and treatment plans, including non-pharmacological interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients requiring advanced pain management techniques for intractable migraines.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of multidisciplinary approaches and alternative therapies.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G43.91 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, G43
  • 91 should be used when the migraine is unspecified and intractable
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis of intractable migraines and that other headache disorders are ruled out

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G43.91 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 headache frequency, severity, and response to treatment.

Specialty Considerations

Neurologists may require additional 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 helps 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 helps in better tracking and management of these conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

impact on daily functioning. Insurance providers may require evidence of intractability and treatment resistance.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Migraine Foundation

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Migraine Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes an intractable migraine?

An intractable migraine is defined as one that does not respond to standard treatment protocols, resulting in frequent and debilitating headache episodes that significantly impair daily functioning.