R51.9 – Headache, unspecified

The ICD-10-CM code R51.9 designates that a patient has a Headache, unspecified. Learn this code’s clinical information, whether it’s billable, relevant FAQs, and related ICD-10 codes by reading this guide.

By Chloe Smith on Jun 16, 2024.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

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R51.9 Diagnosis Code: Headache, unspecified Is the R51.9 billable?R51.9 clinical information R51.9 synonyms include Other ICD-10 codes commonly used for headaches FAQS

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R51.9 Diagnosis Code: Headache, unspecified

The R51.9 is an ICD code that’s included in the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM, for short), and it is used to designate “Headache, unspecified.”

This ICD-10 code has two designations you need to take note of:

This is an Unspecified Code. This means that not much is known about the specifics of this condition. It’s only used to specify the patient has a headache, but the kind and severity are not yet known.
It is unsuitable to be used as a Principle Diagnosis if you can determine the specifics during the evaluations. So, only use this when you have yet to determine what type of headache they have and how severe it is.

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Is the R51.9 billable?

Yes, the R51.9 ICD-10 code is billable and can be used to designate a patient for reimbursement purposes.

R51.9 clinical information

Headaches are one of the most common forms of pain in the world, and everyone will experience them every now and then.

Headaches come in different types, with one of the most common being migraines, which is a throbbing and/or pulsating pain on one side of a person’s head. This type of headache can be debilitating because it can make people sensitive to light.

Another type of headache is a tension headache, which is the result of muscles tensing up due to stress, anxiety, depression, or by simply not getting enough rest and sleep.

Headaches usually go away in a matter of hours. Some people simply need to drink fluids and eat to get rid of it, some need sleep, and some use pain relievers. More often than not, people don’t need to see medical professionals for their headaches, however, if a person’s headache remains for over three days, is severe, and/or if it comes with other problems, it’s best to see a doctor to get to the bottom of it. Treatment will depend on what type of headache it is.

R51.9 synonyms include:

Aching headache
Acute headache
Aural headache
Bilateral headache
Chronic daily headache
Daily headache
Morning headache
Muscular headache
Nasal headache
Shooting headache

Other ICD-10 codes commonly used for headaches:

R51 - Headache
R51.0 - Headache with orthostatic component, not elsewhere classified
G43.109 - Migraine with aura, not intractable, without status migrainosus
G43.909 - Migraine, unspecified, not intractable, without status migrainosus
G43.B0 - Ophthalmoplegic migraine, not intractable
G43.C0 - Periodic Headache syndromes in child or adult, not intractable
G44.001 - Cluster Headache syndrome, unspecified, intractable
G44.011 - Episodic cluster Headache, intractable
G44.201 - Tension-type Headache, unspecified, intractable
G44.301 - Post-traumatic Headache, unspecified, intractable

Commonly asked questions

Is the R51.9 a billable ICD-10 code?

Yes, this ICD-10 code is billable.

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When do you use the R51.9 ICD-10 code?

You use it when you have confirmed that a patient has a headache, but you have not identified the specific type, its severity, and if it has certain characteristics.

How is R51.9 commonly treated?

That will depend on the specific headache, the severity, the cause, and its characteristics. But a common treatment for headaches involves resting, sleeping, eating enough food, drinking fluids, and pain relievers.

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