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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG43.11

G43.11

Billable

Migraine with aura, intractable

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G43.11 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of migraine with aura, intractable.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Migraine with aura, intractable, is a severe form of migraine characterized by the presence of neurological symptoms (aura) that precede or accompany the headache phase. These auras can manifest as visual disturbances, sensory changes, or speech difficulties, typically lasting from 5 to 60 minutes. Intractable migraines are those that do not respond to standard treatment protocols, leading to significant disability and a reduced quality of life. Patients may experience frequent attacks, often requiring emergency care or hospitalization. The pathophysiology involves complex neurovascular mechanisms, including cortical spreading depression and trigeminovascular activation. Triggers for these migraines can include hormonal changes, stress, certain foods, and environmental factors. Preventive treatments may involve medications such as beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, or CGRP inhibitors, and lifestyle modifications to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. Accurate diagnosis and coding are crucial for effective management and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between types of migraines (with and without aura)
  • Identifying intractable cases that require specific documentation
  • Understanding the various triggers and their impact on treatment
  • Navigating preventive treatment options and their documentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of aura symptoms
  • Failure to document intractability criteria
  • Lack of evidence for treatment attempts prior to coding
  • Misclassification of migraine type

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of migraine episodes, including frequency, duration, and response to treatments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent migraines that do not respond to standard therapies.

Billing Considerations

Neurologists must document the specific characteristics of the aura and the impact on the patient's life.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history and any referrals to specialists.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with chronic headaches seeking management options.

Billing Considerations

Primary care providers should ensure thorough documentation of treatment trials and patient education.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G43.11 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, G43
  • 11 should be used when the migraine is accompanied by aura and is classified as intractable
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis, including the presence of aura and the intractability of the condition
  • controlled with standard treatments

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G43.11 When
  • Exclusion criteria include migraines that are well

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 history, examination findings, and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Neurologists may require more detailed 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, including the differentiation of intractable cases, which aids in better treatment planning and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of migraine types, including the differentiation of intractable cases, which aids in better treatment planning and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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, leading to frequent and debilitating episodes that significantly impair daily functioning.