ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR51.0

R51.0

Headache with orthostatic component, not elsewhere classified

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R51.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of headache with orthostatic component, not elsewhere classified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R51.0 refers to headaches that are characterized by an orthostatic component, meaning they are exacerbated or triggered by changes in posture, particularly when moving from a supine to an upright position. This type of headache can be indicative of underlying conditions such as dehydration, orthostatic hypotension, or other autonomic dysfunctions. Patients may report symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and a sensation of pressure or pain in the head that worsens upon standing. The headaches may vary in intensity and duration, and they can be associated with other symptoms like nausea or visual disturbances. Accurate diagnosis often requires a thorough clinical evaluation, including a detailed history and physical examination, to rule out other causes of headache and to assess for potential secondary causes related to orthostatic changes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between primary and secondary headaches
  • Identifying the orthostatic component accurately
  • Potential overlap with other headache types
  • Need for comprehensive patient history and examination

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of orthostatic symptoms
  • Failure to rule out secondary headache causes
  • Misclassification of headache type
  • Lack of detailed patient history

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including onset, duration, and triggers of headaches, as well as any associated symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic headaches that worsen upon standing, often requiring evaluation for dehydration or autonomic dysfunction.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of comorbid conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular issues that may contribute to orthostatic symptoms.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation must include vital signs, assessment of hydration status, and neurological examination findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting to the emergency department with acute headaches and dizziness upon standing, necessitating rapid assessment and intervention.

Billing Considerations

Rapid identification of potentially life-threatening causes of headache is crucial, and documentation must reflect the urgency of the clinical situation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R51.0 When
  • Coders should ensure that the orthostatic component is clearly documented in the medical record, and that any secondary causes of headache are ruled out before assigning R51

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R51.0 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits for patients with chronic headaches.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include history of present illness, review of systems, and assessment of headache characteristics.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine providers should focus on chronic management strategies.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of headache types, including those with orthostatic components, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of headache types, including those with orthostatic components, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the orthostatic component in headaches?

The orthostatic component indicates that the headache is influenced by changes in posture, which can help differentiate it from other headache types and guide appropriate management.