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ICD-10 Coding for Tension-Type Headache(G44.209, G44.219, G44.229)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Tension-Type Headache. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Tension HeadacheStress Headache

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Tension-Type Headache

G44.2Primary Range

Tension-type headache

This range includes all types of tension-type headaches, distinguishing between episodic and chronic forms.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G44.209Tension-type headache, unspecified, not intractableUse when the type or frequency of tension-type headache is not specified.
  • Bilateral headache
  • Pressing or tightening quality
  • No nausea or vomiting
G44.219Episodic tension-type headache, not intractableUse for episodic tension-type headaches occurring less than 15 days per month.
  • Headache occurs less than 15 days per month
  • No nausea or vomiting
G44.229Chronic tension-type headache, not intractableUse for chronic tension-type headaches occurring 15 or more days per month.
  • Headache occurs 15 or more days per month
  • No nausea or vomiting

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 tension-type headache

Essential facts and insights about Tension-Type Headache

The ICD-10 code for unspecified tension-type headache is G44.209. For episodic tension-type headache, use G44.219, and for chronic tension-type headache, use G44.229.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for tension-type headache

G44.209
Tension-type headache, unspecified, not intractable
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Headache is bilateral with a pressing quality and no nausea.

Applicable To

  • Unspecified tension-type headache

Excludes

  • Migraine (G43.-)
  • Cluster headache (G44.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Bilateral headache
  • Pressing or tightening quality
  • No nausea or vomiting

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of undercoding if more specific information is available

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the absence of migraine features.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Cervicalgia

M54.2
Use if neck pain is present alongside the headache.

Generalized anxiety disorder

F41.1
Use if anxiety is a comorbid condition.

Headache

R51
Avoid using unless no specific headache type is documented.

Differential Codes

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

Migraine, unspecified, not intractable

G43.909
Presence of nausea, photophobia, or aura differentiates migraine from tension-type headache.

Chronic tension-type headache, not intractable

G44.229
Chronic tension-type headache occurs 15 or more days per month.

Episodic tension-type headache, not intractable

G44.219
Episodic tension-type headache occurs less than 15 days per month.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Tension-Type Headache to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G44.209.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Financial: Potential for denied claims due to unspecified coding

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on documentation requirements, Use templates that prompt for frequency details

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Increased risk of audit due to non-specific coding., Data Quality: Impacts data accuracy and quality for clinical research.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes headache frequency and characteristics to select specific codes.

Impact

Risk of audit due to use of unspecified codes when specific codes are applicable.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of headache characteristics and frequency.

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 Tension-Type Headache, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Tension-Type Headache

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Tension-Type Headache. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Chronic tension-type headache with neck pain

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Headache frequency and duration
  • Pain characteristics
  • Associated symptoms
  • Physical exam findings

Example Documentation

Patient presents with daily bilateral occipital headaches lasting 4 hours, no nausea. Reports neck stiffness. Exam shows trapezius tenderness.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has headaches.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports daily bilateral occipital headaches lasting 4 hours, no nausea, with neck stiffness.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on frequency, location, and associated symptoms, allowing for accurate coding.

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