Back to HomeBeta

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

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

Also known as:

Chronic Migraine with Visual AuraChronic Migraine with Sensory Aura

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Chronic Migraine with Aura

G43.E0-G43.E1Primary Range

Chronic migraine with aura, categorized by intractability and status migrainosus

This range includes codes for chronic migraine with aura, specifying intractability and the presence of status migrainosus.

Migraine with aura, not specified as chronic

Used for episodic migraines with aura, differentiating from chronic forms.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G43.E0Chronic migraine with aura, not intractableUse when the patient has chronic migraines with aura that respond to treatment.
  • Headaches occurring ≥15 days/month for ≥3 consecutive months
  • Aura symptoms documented (e.g., visual, sensory)
G43.E1Chronic migraine with aura, intractableUse when the patient has chronic migraines with aura that do not respond to treatment.
  • Documentation of failed trials of at least two preventive treatments
  • Headaches occurring ≥15 days/month for ≥3 consecutive months

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 with Aura

The ICD-10 code for chronic migraine with aura is G43.E0 for non-intractable and G43.E1 for intractable cases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for chronic migraine with aura

Chronic migraine with aura, not intractable
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Headache frequency and aura presence

Applicable To

  • Chronic migraine with aura, responsive to treatment

Excludes

  • Episodic migraine with aura (G43.1-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Headaches occurring ≥15 days/month for ≥3 consecutive months
  • Aura symptoms documented (e.g., visual, sensory)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as intractable without documentation of treatment failure

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies frequency and response to treatment.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other long term (current) drug therapy

Z79.899
Use when documenting long-term use of preventive medications.

Differential Codes

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

Migraine with aura, not specified as chronic

G43.1
Use G43.1 for episodic migraines with aura, not meeting chronic criteria.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chronic Migraine with Aura 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 assessment of intractability., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Possible claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed treatment history is documented., Use standardized templates for migraine documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient condition.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies chronicity and use G43.E- codes.

Impact

Failure to document specific treatment failures can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Use detailed templates and ensure all treatment attempts are recorded.

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

Documentation Templates for Chronic Migraine with Aura

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

Chronic migraine with aura, intractable

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Headache frequency
  • Aura characteristics
  • Treatment history and outcomes

Example Documentation

Patient reports 18 headache days in March 2025 with visual aura preceding attacks. Failed topiramate and erenumab.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Chronic migraines with visual disturbances.
Good Documentation Example
Chronic migraine with scintillating scotoma aura, 18 headache days/month for 4 months, refractory to topiramate 100mg BID and erenumab 140mg SC monthly.
Explanation
The good example provides specific frequency, aura details, and treatment history.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more