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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesSevere Headache

Severe Headache

ICD-10 Coding for Severe Headache(G43.111, G44.311)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYNeurology
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Severe Headache?
Essential facts and insights about Severe Headache

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Severe, persistent headache lasting more than 4 hours
  • Associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia, or phonophobia
  • Neurological deficits or changes in consciousness

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Patient history including onset, duration, and characteristics of headache
  • Results of neurological examinations and imaging studies
  • Assessment of any associated symptoms and their impact on daily activities

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Usage guidelines: Use specific codes based on headache type and severity.
  • Common errors: Misclassifying headache types or failing to document associated symptoms.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Excluded conditions: Tension-type headache, cluster headache, and secondary headaches due to other medical conditions.
  • Alternative codes: Consider using codes for specific headache types if applicable.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
G44.1
Vascular headache, not elsewhere classified
G43.909
Migraine, unspecified, not intractable, without status migrainosus
R51
Headache
Ancillary Codes
R51
W20.8xxA
Differential Codes
G43.109
G44.321

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Neurology

Specialty Applications

  • Patient populations: Adults and children presenting with severe headaches.
  • Clinical settings: Emergency departments, neurology clinics, and primary care.

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements?

Include detailed patient history, symptom description, and results from diagnostic tests.

Billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding to reflect the severity and type of headache for appropriate reimbursement.