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ICD-10 Coding for Vestibular Migraine(G43.81)

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

Also known as:

Migraine-associated VertigoMigraine-related Dizziness

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Vestibular Migraine

G43.8Primary Range

Other migraine

This range includes specific codes for types of migraines, including vestibular migraine.

Disorders of vestibular function

This range includes codes for vestibular disorders that may be relevant for differential diagnosis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for vestibular migraine

Essential facts and insights about Vestibular Migraine

The ICD-10 code for vestibular migraine is G43.81, used for confirmed diagnoses meeting clinical criteria.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for vestibular migraine

Vestibular migraine
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient has a history of migraine and presents with vertigo episodes.

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed documentation of vertigo episodes and migraine history is present.

Applicable To

  • Migraine with vertigo

Excludes

  • Meniere's disease (H81.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Recurrent episodes of vertigo lasting 5 minutes to 72 hours
  • History of migraine with or without aura
  • Exclusion of other vestibular disorders

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification with Meniere's disease if hearing loss is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes specific migraine features and vertigo characteristics.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dizziness and giddiness

R42
Use if dizziness is present but not directly linked to migraine episodes.

Differential Codes

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

Meniere's disease

H81.0
Presence of hearing loss and aural fullness differentiates Meniere's from vestibular migraine.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Vestibular Migraine to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G43.81.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with diagnostic criteria., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Include audiometry results in documentation., Document negative findings for other vestibular tests.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure migraine history is documented before assigning G43.81.

Impact

Lack of detailed migraine history in patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checklist for migraine documentation.

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

Documentation Templates for Vestibular Migraine

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

Vestibular Migraine Diagnosis

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Patient history of migraine
  • Description of vertigo episodes
  • Exclusion of other vestibular disorders

Example Documentation

Patient presents with recurrent vertigo episodes lasting 30 minutes, associated with photophobia and nausea. History of migraine without aura. Audiometry normal.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has dizziness and headaches.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports vertigo lasting 30 minutes, triggered by head movement, with associated photophobia and nausea. History of migraine without aura.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the vertigo episodes and migraine history, which are necessary for accurate coding.

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

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