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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG43.911

G43.911

Billable

Migraine, unspecified, intractable, with status migrainosus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G43.911 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of migraine, unspecified, intractable, with status migrainosus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

G43.911 refers to a specific type of migraine characterized as intractable, meaning it is resistant to treatment and significantly impairs the patient's quality of life. This condition is often associated with status migrainosus, a severe and prolonged migraine attack lasting more than 72 hours. Patients may experience debilitating headaches, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The intractable nature of this migraine type indicates that standard treatments, including abortive and preventive medications, have failed to provide relief. Triggers for these migraines can vary widely and may include stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, and environmental factors. Due to the complexity of managing intractable migraines, a multidisciplinary approach is often required, involving neurologists, pain specialists, and sometimes psychologists to address the multifaceted nature of the condition. Accurate diagnosis and coding are crucial for appropriate treatment and reimbursement, as well as for tracking the prevalence and impact of migraine disorders in the population.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in patient presentation and response to treatment
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of symptoms and treatment history
  • Potential overlap with other headache disorders
  • Intractability requiring detailed justification for treatment choices

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of treatment history
  • Failure to document the duration and severity of migraines
  • Inadequate justification for the intractable designation
  • Misclassification of migraine type

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of migraine episodes, treatment responses, and any comorbid conditions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent, severe migraines unresponsive to standard treatments.

Billing Considerations

Neurologists must document the specific criteria for intractability and status migrainosus.

Pain Management

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive pain assessments and treatment plans, including medication trials.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients seeking alternative therapies after failing traditional migraine treatments.

Billing Considerations

Pain specialists should document the multidisciplinary approach to managing intractable migraines.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G43.911 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation
  • Include details about the duration and severity of the migraine, as well as treatment history

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G43.911 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 migraine management.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's history, examination findings, and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Neurologists should ensure comprehensive documentation of migraine history.

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 planning. G43.911 provides a clear designation for intractable migraines, facilitating better management strategies.

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 planning. G43.911 provides a clear designation for intractable migraines, facilitating better management strategies.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

impact on daily functioning. Ensure that all relevant information is included to support the medical necessity of the services provided.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Migraine Foundation

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Migraine Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes G43.911 from other migraine codes?

G43.911 specifically indicates an intractable migraine with status migrainosus, requiring detailed documentation of treatment failures and prolonged symptoms.