Wiki MIGRAINE VS HEADACHE

[ladymatthew]

Hello I hope this is the right place to ask a question- looking for help..... if the ER physician documents that pt presents with chief complaint of migraine, or pt presents with a headache and a history of migraines....... but his final impression only states headache. Which code would be appropriate? R519 or G43909?

 

[fwnewbie]

I would code for what the physician states is the reason for the visit. If s/he designates "headache", that's what I'd code.

 

[TThivierge]

Hi
If doc says headache..that is what I would report as his final dx. assessment. Hopefully his adjectives of notations on pt. symptoms denoted more headache than migraine. Doc is the expert on telling coders the different diseases. From my research headaches and migraines are different....length of time, pain from light on eyes, type of pain Etc. Also maybe the patient had just a headache for this current day of treatment in which the doctor recorded.
Well that is my two cents on the matter. I hope this helps you.
Lady T