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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG43.71

G43.71

Billable

Chronic migraine without aura, intractable

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G43.71 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of chronic migraine without aura, intractable.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chronic migraine without aura, intractable, is characterized by the occurrence of migraine headaches on 15 or more days per month, with at least 8 of those days meeting the criteria for migraine. These migraines can be debilitating and resistant to standard treatments, leading to significant impairment in daily functioning. Patients may experience a range of symptoms including unilateral throbbing pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The intractable nature of this condition indicates that typical abortive treatments have failed, necessitating a more aggressive approach to management. Chronic migraines can be triggered by various factors such as stress, hormonal changes, dietary components, and environmental stimuli. Preventive treatments may include medications such as beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, and CGRP inhibitors, along with lifestyle modifications to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. Accurate diagnosis and coding are crucial for effective treatment and management of this complex condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between chronic and episodic migraines
  • Identifying intractable cases requiring specialized treatment
  • Documenting frequency and severity of headaches
  • Understanding the impact of comorbid conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of headache frequency and severity
  • Failure to document treatment history and response
  • Misclassification of migraine type
  • Lack of evidence for intractability

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed headache diaries, treatment response records, and comprehensive neurological evaluations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with frequent headaches, failed treatments, and significant lifestyle impact.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of intractability and any comorbid conditions affecting treatment.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Thorough history of headache patterns, triggers, and previous treatments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients seeking management for chronic headaches with varying severity.

Billing Considerations

Document lifestyle factors and referrals to specialists when necessary.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G43.71 When
  • According to the ICD
  • CM guidelines, G43
  • 71 should be used when the patient has chronic migraines without aura that are intractable
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis, including the frequency of headaches and the failure of standard treatments

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G43.71 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 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. G43.71 provides a clear distinction for chronic, intractable migraines, which is essential for appropriate management and reimbursement.

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. G43.71 provides a clear distinction for chronic, intractable migraines, which is essential for appropriate management and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Migraine Foundation

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Migraine Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes chronic migraine without aura from episodic migraine?

Chronic migraine without aura occurs on 15 or more days per month, while episodic migraine occurs less frequently. The chronic form is often more resistant to treatment.