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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG43.0

G43.0

Billable

Migraine without aura

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G43.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of migraine without aura.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Migraine without aura is a common type of headache disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of moderate to severe headache, typically unilateral, pulsating in quality, and often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Unlike migraine with aura, patients do not experience transient neurological symptoms prior to the headache onset. The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) defines this condition as having at least five attacks fulfilling specific criteria, including headache lasting 4 to 72 hours, and the presence of at least two of the following features: unilateral location, pulsating quality, moderate to severe intensity, and aggravation by routine physical activity. Triggers for migraine without aura can include stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, and environmental factors. Preventive treatments may involve lifestyle modifications, pharmacological interventions such as beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants, and the use of CGRP inhibitors. Accurate diagnosis and coding are essential for effective management and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in patient presentation and symptomatology
  • Need for thorough documentation of headache characteristics
  • Differentiation from other headache types
  • Potential for comorbid conditions affecting coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of headache characteristics
  • Failure to document frequency and duration of headaches
  • Misclassification of migraine types
  • Lack of documentation for preventive treatment plans

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed headache history, including frequency, duration, and associated symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent headaches, requiring differentiation from other headache disorders.

Billing Considerations

Neurologists must document any neurological examinations performed to rule out secondary causes.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history and lifestyle factors that may contribute to migraines.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients seeking management for chronic headaches and preventive treatment options.

Billing Considerations

Primary care providers should document any referrals to specialists and treatment plans.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G43.0 When
  • According to the ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, G43
  • 0 should be used when the patient presents with migraine headaches without aura
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis, including the frequency and characteristics of the headaches

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G43.0 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 history of present illness, review of systems, and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Neurologists may require more detailed 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, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. G43.0 provides a clear distinction for migraines without aura, facilitating better patient management.

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. G43.0 provides a clear distinction for migraines without aura, facilitating better patient management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and effective patient care.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    International Classification of Headache Disorders

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    International Classification of Headache Disorders

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common triggers for migraine without aura?

Common triggers include stress, hormonal changes, certain foods (like aged cheese and processed meats), caffeine, alcohol, and environmental factors such as bright lights or strong smells.