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ICD-10 Coding for Migraine(G43.E0, G43.E1)

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

Also known as:

Migraine HeadacheChronic MigraineMigraine with AuraVascular headache

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Migraine

G43Primary Range

Migraine

This range covers all types of migraines, including with and without aura, chronic, and intractable forms.

Headache

Used when headaches are documented without meeting migraine criteria.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G43.E0Chronic migraine without aura, not intractableUse when the patient has chronic migraine without aura and is not intractable.
  • 15+ migraine days per month for 3 months
  • No aura symptoms
G43.E1Chronic migraine with aura, not intractableUse when the patient has chronic migraine with aura and is not intractable.
  • 15+ migraine days per month for 3 months
  • Aura symptoms present

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 Migraine

The ICD-10 code for chronic migraine with aura is G43.E1, requiring documentation of 15+ migraine days per month and aura symptoms.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for migrain

Chronic migraine without aura, not intractable
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • 15+ migraine days per month for 3 months

documentation Criteria

  • No aura symptoms documented

Applicable To

  • Chronic migraine without aura

Excludes

  • Tension-type headache (G44.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • 15+ migraine days per month for 3 months
  • No aura symptoms

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if aura symptoms are present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the absence of aura and intractability.

Ancillary Codes

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

Headache

R51
Use when headache is documented without meeting migraine criteria.

Differential Codes

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

Tension-type headache

G44.2
Band-like bilateral pain without nausea or photophobia

Migraine without aura

G43.0
No aura symptoms present

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Migraine to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G43.E0.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Financial: Potential reimbursement issues

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates, Educate providers on documentation requirements

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates, Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements, Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data

Mitigation Strategy

Query for specific type and characteristics of migraine

Impact

Risk of audits due to insufficient documentation of migraine frequency and aura

Mitigation Strategy

Use headache diaries and structured 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 Migraine, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Migraine

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

Chronic migraine with aura

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Headache frequency
  • Aura symptoms
  • Treatment history

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has chronic migraines.
Good Documentation Example
Patient experiences 16 migraine days monthly with visual aura. Failed propranolol and topiramate.
Explanation
The good example provides specific frequency, aura presence, and treatment history.

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

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