Cluster headache syndrome, unspecified, intractable
ICD-10 G44.001 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cluster headache syndrome, unspecified, intractable.
Cluster headache syndrome is characterized by recurrent, severe unilateral headaches that occur in clusters or cycles. These headaches are often accompanied by autonomic symptoms such as lacrimation, nasal congestion, and ptosis. The intractable nature of this condition indicates that the headaches are resistant to standard treatments, leading to significant impairment in the patient's quality of life. Patients may experience episodes lasting from 15 minutes to three hours, with a frequency of attacks that can vary from one every other day to multiple attacks in a single day. The exact etiology of cluster headaches remains unclear, but they are believed to involve dysfunction in the hypothalamus and may be triggered by various factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, and changes in sleep patterns. Effective management often requires a combination of acute treatments to relieve pain during an attack and preventive therapies to reduce the frequency and severity of episodes. Due to the debilitating nature of this condition, timely and accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment and reimbursement.
Detailed headache diaries, history of previous treatments, and response to therapies.
Patients presenting with recurrent severe headaches, particularly those with a history of cluster headaches.
Neurologists must document the intractable nature of the headaches and any co-existing conditions.
Comprehensive pain assessments and treatment plans, including medication trials.
Patients seeking relief from chronic headache pain that has not responded to standard therapies.
Pain management specialists should document the impact of headaches on daily functioning and quality of life.
Used for follow-up visits for cluster headache management.
Document history of present illness, review of systems, and treatment response.
Neurologists should ensure comprehensive documentation of headache characteristics.
G44.001 specifically refers to intractable cluster headache syndrome, which is characterized by severe, recurrent headaches that do not respond to standard treatments, unlike other headache types such as migraines or tension-type headaches.
