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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 6: Diseases of the nervous systemG43

G43

Billable

Migraine

Chapter 6:Diseases of the nervous system

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G43 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of migraine.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Migraine is a primary headache disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of moderate to severe headache, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The pain is typically unilateral and pulsating in nature, lasting from 4 to 72 hours if untreated. Migraines can be classified into several types, including migraine without aura, migraine with aura, and chronic migraine. Triggers for migraines can vary widely among individuals and may include stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, environmental factors, and sleep disturbances. The pathophysiology of migraines involves complex neurovascular mechanisms, including the release of inflammatory mediators and changes in cerebral blood flow. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on patient history and symptomatology, and may be supported by diagnostic criteria outlined in the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD). Effective management often requires a combination of acute treatments to relieve symptoms and preventive strategies to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of migraine types requiring specific coding
  • Need for detailed patient history to identify triggers
  • Differentiation from other headache disorders
  • Potential for comorbid conditions affecting coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of migraine type
  • Failure to document triggers or associated symptoms
  • Misclassification of migraine severity
  • Inconsistent use of preventive treatment codes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including frequency and duration of migraines, triggers, and response to treatments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent headaches, evaluation of aura symptoms, and management of chronic migraines.

Billing Considerations

Neurologists must document the specific type of migraine and any neurological examinations performed.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history and physical examination, including lifestyle factors and medication review.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial diagnosis of migraines, management of acute attacks, and referrals to specialists.

Billing Considerations

Primary care providers should document any lifestyle modifications suggested to patients.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G43 When
  • 10 coding guidelines for migraines include specific criteria for diagnosis based on the type of migraine and associated symptoms
  • Coders must ensure accurate documentation of the migraine type and any relevant comorbidities

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G43 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits for migraine management.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Neurologists may require additional 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 diagnosis and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better patient management and research outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of migraine types, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better patient management and research outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and compliance.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    International Classification of Headache Disorders

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    International Classification of Headache Disorders

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between migraine with aura and migraine without aura?

Migraine with aura includes neurological symptoms such as visual disturbances or sensory changes that precede the headache, while migraine without aura does not have these symptoms.