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ICD-10 Coding for Chronic Migraine Headache(G43.709, G43.E11)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Chronic Migraine Headache. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Chronic MigraineChronic Migraine Headaches

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Chronic Migraine Headache

G43.7-G43.EPrimary Range

Chronic migraine codes, including with and without aura

These codes are used to classify chronic migraine headaches, distinguishing between those with and without aura.

Chronic tension-type headache codes

Used for differential diagnosis when chronic tension-type headache is suspected instead of migraine.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G43.709Chronic migraine without aura, not intractableUse when chronic migraine is documented without aura and is not intractable.
  • Headaches occurring ≥15 days/month for ≥3 consecutive months
  • No aura symptoms documented
G43.E11Chronic migraine with aura, intractableUse when chronic migraine with aura is documented and is intractable.
  • Headaches occurring ≥15 days/month for ≥3 consecutive months
  • Documented aura symptoms
  • Intractable to at least two prophylactic treatments

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for chronic migraine with aura

Essential facts and insights about Chronic Migraine Headache

The ICD-10 code for chronic migraine with aura is G43.E11, used when aura symptoms are documented and the condition is intractable.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for chronic migraine headache

Chronic migraine without aura, not intractable
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient reports ≥15 headache days/month without aura symptoms.

Applicable To

  • Chronic migraine without aura

Excludes

  • Chronic migraine with aura (G43.E-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Headaches occurring ≥15 days/month for ≥3 consecutive months
  • No aura symptoms documented

Code-Specific Risks

  • Undercoding if aura is present but not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the absence of aura to use this code.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Long-term use of migraine prophylaxis

Z79.83
Use when documenting ongoing prophylactic treatment for chronic migraine.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Chronic tension-type headache, intractable

G44.221
Absence of migraine-specific symptoms like aura or unilateral throbbing pain.

Chronic migraine without aura, not intractable

G43.709
Presence of aura symptoms differentiates G43.E11 from G43.709.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chronic Migraine Headache to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G43.709.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough patient interviews, Review patient history for aura documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies aura presence and intractability to use specific codes.

Impact

Inadequate documentation may lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized headache diaries and templates.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Chronic Migraine Headache, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Chronic Migraine Headache

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Chronic Migraine Headache. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Chronic migraine with aura

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Headache frequency and duration
  • Aura symptoms
  • Treatment history

Example Documentation

Patient reports 18 headache days/month with visual aura. Failed topiramate and propranolol.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has chronic migraines.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has chronic migraine with aura, 18 headache days/month, intractable to sumatriptan.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on frequency, aura presence, and treatment history.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Chronic Migraine Headache? Ask your questions below.

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