2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code G44Other headache syndromes

ICD-10-CM Codes›G00–G99›G40-G47›G44

ICD-10-CM G44
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

G44 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for other headache syndromes, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as G44.001, G44.009, G44.011, and G44.019.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
G44
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Other headache syndromes
Short Description
Other headache syndromes
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
G40-G47
Episodic and paroxysmal disorders

Code Classification

ChapterG00–G99Diseases of the nervous system
SectionG40-G47Episodic and paroxysmal disorders
CategoryG44Other headache syndromes
This CodeG44Other headache syndromes

Specific Coding for Other headache syndromesOverview

Non-specific codes like G44 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • G44.0 for Cluster headaches and other trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TAC)

  • G44.00 for Cluster headache syndrome, unspecified

  • G44.01 for Episodic cluster headache

  • G44.02 for Chronic cluster headache

  • G44.03 for Episodic paroxysmal hemicrania

  • G44.04 for Chronic paroxysmal hemicrania

  • G44.05 for Short lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT)

  • G44.09 for Other trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TAC)

  • Use G44.1 for Vascular headache, not elsewhere classified

  • G44.2 for Tension-type headache

  • G44.20 for Tension-type headache, unspecified

  • G44.21 for Episodic tension-type headache

  • G44.22 for Chronic tension-type headache

  • G44.3 for Post-traumatic headache

  • G44.30 for Post-traumatic headache, unspecified

  • G44.31 for Acute post-traumatic headache

  • G44.32 for Chronic post-traumatic headache

  • G44.4 for Drug-induced headache, not elsewhere classified

  • Use G44.40 for Drug-induced headache, not elsewhere classified, not intractable

  • Use G44.41 for Drug-induced headache, not elsewhere classified, intractable

  • G44.5 for Complicated headache syndromes

  • Use G44.51 for Hemicrania continua

  • Use G44.52 for New daily persistent headache (NDPH)

  • Use G44.53 for Primary thunderclap headache

  • Use G44.59 for Other complicated headache syndrome

  • G44.8 for Other specified headache syndromes

  • Use G44.81 for Hypnic headache

  • Use G44.82 for Headache associated with sexual activity

  • Use G44.83 for Primary cough headache

  • Use G44.84 for Primary exertional headache

  • Use G44.85 for Primary stabbing headache

  • Use G44.86 for Cervicogenic headache

  • Use G44.89 for Other headache syndrome

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to G44: its own notes plus those printed at Chapter 6. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Excludes1

Not coded here: the excluded code is never reported together with this one, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

Excludes2

Not included here: the excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, so both codes may be reported.

On G44 itself
  • atypical facial pain (G50.1)
  • headache due to lumbar puncture (G97.1)
  • migraines (G43.-)
  • trigeminal neuralgia (G50.0)
From Chapter 6 (G00-G99) Diseases of the nervous system applies to 700 codes
  • certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P04-P96)
  • certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)
  • complications of pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A)
  • congenital malformations, deformations, and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99)
  • endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E88)
  • injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
  • neoplasms (C00-D49)
  • symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R94)

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.

Referenced in Other NotesGuidance

Instructional notes printed at other codes that name G44, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes2 3

These codes carry an Excludes2 note naming G44: its condition is not part of those codes, and both may be reported when the patient has both.

  • G43 Migraine
    headache syndromes (G44.-)
  • G89 Pain, not elsewhere classified
    headache syndromes (G44.-)
  • R51 Headache
    migraine and other headache syndromes (G43-G44) names G43-G44, which includes this code

Patient EducationClinical

Headache

Almost everyone has had a headache. Headache is the most common form of pain. It's a major reason people miss days at work or school or visit the doctor.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About G44Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for other headache syndromes?

G44 is the ICD-10-CM category for other headache syndromes, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is G44 (Other headache syndromes) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for other headache syndromes, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for other headache syndromes need a more specific code from this category, such as G44.001, G44.009, and G44.011.

Can G44 be reported with R51.9?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note on G44 lists "headache NOS (R51.9)". An Excludes1 note means the excluded code is never reported together with this one; the only exception is when the two conditions are unrelated to each other (Official Guidelines, Section I.A.12.a).