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ICD-10 Coding for Ocular Migraine(G43.1-, G43.81, G43.E-)

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

Also known as:

Ophthalmic MigraineRetinal MigraineVisual Migraine

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Ocular Migraine

G43.1-Primary Range

Migraine with aura

Primary range for migraines with visual disturbances, including ocular migraines.

Retinal migraine

Specific for migraines with monocular visual disturbances.

Chronic migraine with aura

Used for chronic migraines with aura, including ocular migraines with chronicity.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G43.1-Migraine with auraUse when patient experiences visual disturbances preceding a headache.
  • Documented visual aura lasting 5-60 minutes
  • Headache follows aura
G43.81Retinal migraineUse for monocular visual disturbances without headache.
  • Monocular visual symptoms confirmed by ophthalmologic exam
G43.E-Chronic migraine with auraUse for chronic migraines with frequent visual aura.
  • ≥15 headache days/month for 3+ months
  • Aura present on ≥8 days/month

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 ocular migraine

Essential facts and insights about Ocular Migraine

The ICD-10 code for ocular migraine is G43.1- for migraine with aura, and G43.81 for retinal migraine if symptoms are monocular.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for ocular migraine

Migraine with aura
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of visual aura preceding headache

Applicable To

  • Scintillating scotoma
  • Visual aura

Excludes

  • Migraine without aura
  • Retinal migraine

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented visual aura lasting 5-60 minutes
  • Headache follows aura

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified codes when more specific ones are available.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies aura characteristics and duration.

Ancillary Codes

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

Visual hallucinations

R44.1
Use if aura includes complex visual patterns.

Transient visual loss

H53.1-
Use if retinal involvement is documented.

Differential Codes

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

Retinal migraine

G43.81
Monocular visual disturbances without headache.

Migraine with aura

G43.1-
Bilateral visual disturbances.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Ocular Migraine to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G43.1-.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect diagnosis., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit issues., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document which eye is affected., Confirm monocular symptoms with testing.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit failures., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of healthcare data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the most specific code available.

Impact

Risk of audits due to use of unspecified codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the most specific code.

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

Documentation Templates for Ocular Migraine

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

Ocular migraine with aura

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Visual symptoms
  • Duration
  • Frequency
  • Treatment response

Example Documentation

Patient reports scintillating scotoma in both visual fields lasting 20 minutes followed by headache.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has ocular migraines.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports 3 episodes of flashing lights in left eye lasting 30 minutes each, followed by unilateral headache, occurring 8 days/month over 3 months, unresponsive to sumatriptan.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on symptoms, frequency, and treatment response, supporting accurate coding.

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

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