What is the ICD-10-CM code for headache?

The primary ICD-10-CM code for headache is R51.9 (Headache, unspecified). There are 9 billable headache codes in FY2027, covering different types and underlying causes.

How many ICD-10-CM codes are there for headache?

There are 10 ICD-10-CM codes for headache in the FY2027 tabular list, of which 9 are billable. These codes fall under Chapter 18 of the ICD-10-CM classification.

Which chapter covers headache in ICD-10-CM?

Headache codes are classified in Chapter 18 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: R00–R99 (Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings).

Headache ICD-10-CM codes

ICD-10-CM codes for headache as a symptom (R51), with the specific headache disorder codes in chapter 6 that replace R51 when a diagnosis is made.

10 codes, 9 billable. FY2027, valid from October 1, 2026. In chapter 18: Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings.

How to code Headache

Category R51 has two codes since FY2021. R51.9 (headache, unspecified) is used for headache NOS and facial pain NOS. R51.0 (headache with orthostatic component, not elsewhere classified) is for a positional headache that worsens on standing and is not explained by another diagnosis. R51 excludes migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, and atypical facial pain, which have their own codes.

Report a chapter 6 code instead of R51 when the provider names a headache disorder: migraine G43.- (G43.909 unspecified, not intractable, without status migrainosus), tension-type headache G44.2- (G44.209 unspecified, not intractable), vascular headache not elsewhere classified G44.1, medication overuse or drug-induced headache G44.4- (G44.40), post-traumatic headache G44.3- (G44.309), trigeminal neuralgia G50.0. Headache after a lumbar puncture is G97.1.

Migraine and tension-type headache codes require the provider to document intractable versus not intractable; when that is missing, the not intractable code is assigned. Headache that is integral to a diagnosed condition such as meningitis or hypertensive urgency is not coded separately.

All Headache codes

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