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ICD-10 Coding for History of Migraine(Z86.601, Z86.602)

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

Also known as:

Migraine HistoryPast Migraine Episodes

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Migraine

Z86.601-Z86.609Primary Range

Personal history of migraine

These codes are used to document a patient's past history of migraines, which may impact current care but are not the primary reason for a healthcare encounter.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z86.601Personal history of migraine without auraUse when documenting a patient's history of migraines without aura that may affect current care.
  • Documentation of past migraines without aura
  • No current migraine symptoms
Z86.602Personal history of migraine with auraUse when documenting a patient's history of migraines with aura that may affect current care.
  • Documentation of past migraines with aura
  • No current migraine symptoms

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 history of migraines

Essential facts and insights about History of Migraine

The ICD-10 code for a history of migraines without aura is Z86.601, and with aura is Z86.602.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for history of migraine

Personal history of migraine without aura
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Document absence of aura in past migraines

Applicable To

  • History of migraine without aura

Excludes

  • Current migraine episodes (G43.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of past migraines without aura
  • No current migraine symptoms

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using as a primary diagnosis

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'without aura' to avoid unspecified coding.

Differential Codes

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

Migraine, unspecified, not intractable

G43.909
Use G43.909 for current migraine episodes, not for historical documentation.

Migraine with aura, not intractable

G43.109
Use G43.109 for current migraine episodes with aura, not for historical documentation.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Migraine to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z86.601.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials due to unspecified coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document whether aura was present in past migraines., Use specific codes for with/without aura.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials if used as primary diagnosis., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient's current health status.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use Z86.6xx as a secondary code when documenting history.

Impact

Using Z86.6xx as a primary diagnosis can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure these codes are used as secondary diagnoses.

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

Documentation Templates for History of Migraine

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

Neurology Progress Note

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Type of migraine (with/without aura)
  • Frequency of past episodes
  • Duration of migraine history
  • Past treatments and responses

Example Documentation

History of Migraine: Type: Chronic without aura. Frequency: 16 days/month from Jan 2023 to March 2024. Last episode: 2 months ago. Previous treatments: Propranolol 60mg daily, reduced frequency to 8 days/month. No current acute episodes.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
PMH: Migraines
Good Documentation Example
PMH: Chronic migraine without aura (2018-2023), 18 headache days/month confirmed by headache diary, successfully managed with erenumab. No migraines since delivery 3/15/25.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the type, frequency, and management of migraines, which are essential for accurate coding and clinical understanding.

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

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