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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG43.50

G43.50

Billable

Persistent migraine aura without cerebral infarction, not intractable

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G43.50 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of persistent migraine aura without cerebral infarction, not intractable.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Persistent migraine aura without cerebral infarction is characterized by prolonged neurological symptoms that occur before or during a migraine headache. These symptoms can include visual disturbances, sensory changes, and motor deficits, lasting longer than the typical aura duration of 60 minutes. Unlike transient auras that resolve quickly, persistent aura can last for days or even weeks, but it does not lead to cerebral infarction. The condition is classified as 'not intractable' when the symptoms can be managed with appropriate treatment and do not lead to significant disability. Patients may experience triggers such as stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, or environmental factors. Understanding the patient's history and identifying triggers is crucial for effective management and prevention strategies. Preventive treatments may include medications such as beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, or antidepressants, and lifestyle modifications to reduce the frequency and severity of episodes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between persistent aura and other types of migraines
  • Identifying triggers and their documentation
  • Understanding the distinction between intractable and non-intractable cases
  • Need for comprehensive patient history and symptom tracking

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of aura symptoms
  • Failure to specify the duration of symptoms
  • Misclassification of intractable vs. non-intractable cases
  • Lack of evidence for trigger identification

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological examination findings, patient history, and symptom duration.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with prolonged aura symptoms, recurrent migraines, or those with a history of migraine disorders.

Billing Considerations

Neurologists should ensure that all symptoms are documented clearly to support the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history, including lifestyle factors and trigger identification.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with recurrent headaches or migraines seeking preventive treatment.

Billing Considerations

Primary care providers should be aware of the need for referrals to specialists if symptoms persist or worsen.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G43.50 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, G43
  • 50 should be used when the patient exhibits persistent aura symptoms without evidence of cerebral infarction
  • Documentation must clearly indicate the duration and nature of the aura symptoms, as well as the absence of intractability

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G43.50 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 patients with persistent migraine aura.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's history, symptoms, and treatment response.

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 diagnoses and treatment plans. G43.50 provides a clear distinction for persistent aura cases, which aids in better patient management and research.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of migraine types, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. G43.50 provides a clear distinction for persistent aura cases, which aids in better patient management and research.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Migraine Foundation

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Migraine Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes G43.50 from other migraine codes?

G43.50 specifically refers to persistent migraine aura symptoms lasting longer than typical durations without leading to cerebral infarction, while other codes may refer to transient auras or different migraine types.