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ICD-10 Coding for Migraine with Aura(G43.109, G43.E11)

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

Also known as:

Classic MigraineOcular Migraine

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Migraine with Aura

G43.1-G43.9Primary Range

Migraine

This range includes all types of migraines, with G43.1 specifically for migraine with aura.

Chronic Migraine

This range includes chronic migraine codes, which are relevant for migraines with aura that meet chronic criteria.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G43.109Migraine with aura, not intractable, without status migrainosusUse when documenting a migraine with aura that is not chronic, not intractable, and without status migrainosus.
  • Aura symptoms such as visual disturbances or sensory changes
  • Headache following aura
G43.E11Chronic migraine with aura, intractable, with status migrainosusUse when chronic migraine with aura is documented as intractable and with status migrainosus.
  • Documentation of ≥15 headache days per month for ≥3 months
  • Failed treatment attempts with at least two preventive medications

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 migraine with aura

Essential facts and insights about Migraine with Aura

The ICD-10 code for migraine with aura is G43.109 for non-chronic cases and G43.E11 for chronic cases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for migraine with aura

Migraine with aura, not intractable, without status migrainosus
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of aura symptoms preceding headache

Applicable To

  • Migraine with aura without prolonged aura

Excludes

  • Hemiplegic migraine (G43.4)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Aura symptoms such as visual disturbances or sensory changes
  • Headache following aura

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if chronic criteria are met but not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies aura characteristics and headache details.

Ancillary Codes

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

Headache, unspecified

R51.9
Use when the type of headache is not specified or documented.

Migraine, unspecified, intractable, with status migrainosus

G43.911
Use when migraine type is unspecified but intractable and with status migrainosus.

Differential Codes

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

Tension-type headache

G44.2
Absence of aura and bilateral pressure-like pain

Migraine with aura

G43.1
Less than 15 headache days per month

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Migraine with Aura to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G43.109.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific ICD-10 terminology, Include detailed patient history

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on chronic migraine prevalence.

Mitigation Strategy

Use G43.E- with frequency documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment for complex cases., Compliance: Failure to meet coding specificity requirements., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of treatment-resistant cases.

Mitigation Strategy

Query: 'Please specify medications tried'

Impact

Failure to document headache frequency leading to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Use headache diaries and detailed patient histories.

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 Aura, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Migraine with Aura

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

Chronic Migraine with Aura

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Headache frequency
  • Aura description
  • Intractability markers
  • Status migrainosus presence

Example Documentation

Patient reports 18 headache days/month for the past four months, with visual aura lasting 30 minutes. No relief with topiramate or erenumab.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Chronic migraine with aura.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports 16-20 headache days/month since January 2025, preceded by 30-minute visual aura (zigzag lines in left visual field). No improvement with 12-week trial of propranolol 120mg daily.
Explanation
The good example provides specific frequency, aura details, and treatment history, supporting chronicity and intractability.

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

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