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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG43.51

G43.51

Billable

Persistent migraine aura without cerebral infarction, intractable

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G43.51 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of persistent migraine aura without cerebral infarction, intractable.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Persistent migraine aura without cerebral infarction, intractable (G43.51) refers to a condition characterized by recurrent episodes of migraine aura symptoms that last longer than one week and do not resolve completely. These aura symptoms can include visual disturbances, sensory changes, and speech or language difficulties. Unlike typical migraine aura, which resolves within 60 minutes, persistent aura can last days to weeks and is not associated with a cerebral infarction. Patients may experience significant disability due to the intractable nature of the aura, which can lead to chronic headaches and impact daily functioning. The condition is often triggered by various factors, including stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, and environmental stimuli. Preventive treatments may include medications such as beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, and lifestyle modifications to reduce triggers. Accurate diagnosis and coding are crucial for appropriate management and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between persistent aura and other types of migraines
  • Understanding the intractable nature of the condition
  • Identifying appropriate triggers and preventive treatments
  • Documenting the duration and severity of symptoms

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptom duration
  • Failure to specify intractability
  • Misclassification of aura type
  • Lack of evidence for trigger identification

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of migraine episodes, including frequency, duration, and associated symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with prolonged aura symptoms and chronic headache complaints.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of intractability and any previous treatments attempted.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history and lifestyle factors that may contribute to migraine triggers.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients seeking management for chronic headaches and aura symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Document any referrals to specialists and treatment responses.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G43.51 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, G43
  • 51 should be used when the patient exhibits persistent migraine aura symptoms without evidence of cerebral infarction
  • It is essential to document the intractable nature of the condition and any associated symptoms

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G43.51 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99214CPT Code

Established patient office visit, level 4

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits for chronic migraine management.

Documentation Requirements

Document history of present illness, review of systems, 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 disorders, including persistent aura, which aids in better tracking and management of these conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of migraine disorders, including persistent aura, which aids in better tracking and management of these conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of migraine disorders, including persistent aura, which aids in better tracking and management of these conditions.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Migraine Foundation

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Migraine Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes G43.51 from other migraine codes?

G43.51 specifically refers to persistent migraine aura that lasts longer than one week and is intractable, unlike other migraine codes that may refer to shorter episodes or different types of migraines.