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ICD-10 Coding for Visual Migraine(G43.109, G43.B0)

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

Also known as:

Migraine with AuraOcular MigraineRetinal Migraine

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Visual Migraine

G43.1-Primary Range

Migraine with aura

This range includes migraines characterized by visual disturbances affecting both eyes.

Ophthalmoplegic migraine

This range is used for migraines with monocular visual loss and ocular motor nerve palsy.

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 intractableUse when the patient experiences bilateral visual aura without intractability.
  • Bilateral visual disturbances
  • Duration of 5-60 minutes
  • Normal OCT findings
G43.B0Ophthalmoplegic migraine, not intractableUse when the patient presents with monocular visual loss and ocular motor nerve palsy.
  • Monocular visual symptoms
  • Ocular motor nerve involvement

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 visual migraine

Essential facts and insights about Visual Migraine

The ICD-10 code for visual migraine is G43.109 for non-intractable cases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for visual migraine

Migraine with aura, not intractable
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of bilateral visual aura lasting 5-60 minutes.

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed description of visual aura and response to treatment.

Applicable To

  • Scintillating scotoma
  • Fortification spectra

Excludes

  • Retinal migraine (G43.B-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Bilateral visual disturbances
  • Duration of 5-60 minutes
  • Normal OCT findings

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with retinal migraine
  • Incorrect laterality documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies bilateral visual symptoms and aura characteristics.

Ancillary Codes

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

Personal history of migraine with aura

Z86.602
Use to document a history of migraine with aura without an active episode.

Differential Codes

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

Ophthalmoplegic migraine

G43.B0
Monocular visual loss with ocular motor nerve palsy.

Migraine with aura, not intractable

G43.109
Bilateral visual disturbances without ocular motor involvement.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis of migraine type., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document whether symptoms are unilateral or bilateral.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies laterality and presence of ocular motor symptoms.

Impact

High risk of miscoding due to symptom overlap.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on migraine documentation and coding.

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

Documentation Templates for Visual Migraine

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

Patient with visual aura and headache

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Visual symptoms
  • Duration
  • Laterality
  • Associated symptoms
  • Treatment response

Example Documentation

Patient reports 6 episodes of shimmering zig-zag lines in both visual fields lasting 20-30 minutes, followed by unilateral throbbing headache responsive to sumatriptan.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Visual migraine, prescribe topiramate
Good Documentation Example
Daily 15-minute episodes of fortification spectra with photophobia, refractory to 3-month trial of propranolol 60mg daily
Explanation
The good example provides detailed symptom description and treatment history.

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

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