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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG44.41

G44.41

Billable

Drug-induced headache, not elsewhere classified, intractable

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G44.41 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of drug-induced headache, not elsewhere classified, intractable.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Drug-induced headaches are a type of headache disorder that occurs as a direct result of medication use. These headaches can be intractable, meaning they are resistant to treatment and persist despite attempts to manage them. Common triggers include overuse of analgesics, triptans, and other medications used to treat headaches or migraines. Patients may experience symptoms similar to migraines, including unilateral throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. The intractable nature of these headaches can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to increased healthcare utilization and a need for comprehensive management strategies. Preventive treatments may include tapering off the offending medication, implementing lifestyle modifications, and considering alternative therapies. Accurate diagnosis and coding are essential for effective treatment planning and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between drug-induced headaches and other headache types.
  • Identifying the specific medication responsible for the headache.
  • Documenting the intractable nature of the headache.
  • Understanding the patient's medication history and potential interactions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of medication history.
  • Failure to specify the intractable nature of the headache.
  • Misclassification of headache type.
  • Lack of evidence for the relationship between medication and headache.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including medication use and headache characteristics.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic headaches and a history of medication overuse.

Billing Considerations

Neurologists should ensure comprehensive documentation to support the diagnosis of drug-induced headaches.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of patient symptoms, medication history, and any previous treatments attempted.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with recurrent headaches who have been prescribed multiple medications.

Billing Considerations

Primary care providers should be aware of the potential for medication overuse and its implications.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G44.41 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, G44
  • 41 should be used when the headache is specifically attributed to drug use and is not classified elsewhere
  • Documentation must clearly indicate the intractable nature of the headache and the medications involved

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G44.41 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 drug-induced headaches.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's headache history, medication use, and treatment response.

Specialty Considerations

Neurologists may require more detailed documentation compared to primary care.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of headache disorders, including drug-induced headaches. This specificity aids in better understanding and management of these conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of headache disorders, including drug-induced headaches. This specificity aids in better understanding and management of these conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Headache Society

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Headache Society

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between drug-induced headache and medication overuse headache?

Drug-induced headache refers to headaches caused directly by medication use, while medication overuse headache occurs when a patient overuses headache medications, leading to a cycle of worsening headaches.