2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code G44.1Vascular headache, not elsewhere classified
ICD-10-CM Codes›G00–G99›G40-G47›G44
- Billable — Valid for Submission
- Not Chronic
G44.1 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for vascular headache, not elsewhere classified. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 102 through 103. Coders also document this condition as vascular headache. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Headache; including migraine.
This medical diagnosis code is frequently used in Family Practice medical specialties to designate conditions such headache.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Approximate SynonymsGuidance
Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.
- Vascular headache
Tabular List NotesGuidance
Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.
Type 2 Excludes
- cluster headache G44.0
- complicated headache syndromes G44.5
- drug-induced headache G44.4
- migraine G43
- other specified headache syndromes G44.8
- post-traumatic headache G44.3
- tension-type headache G44.2
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
Index to Diseases and InjuriesGuidance
Alphabetical index entries that point to this code.
- vascular NEC - G44.1
External Cause of Injuries IndexGuidance
References for this code in the External Cause of Injuries Index.
- Headache
- vascular NEC
Clinical ClassificationClinical
AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.
Clinical InformationClinical
Vascular Headache
headache caused by abnormal functioning of the vascular system.
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.
Convert G44.1 to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About G44.1Overview
Is G44.1 (Other headache syndromes) a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report vascular headache, not elsewhere classified on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What MS-DRG does G44.1 group to?
When vascular headache, not elsewhere classified is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 102, 103, with relative weights from 0.8363 to 1.1209 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.
What is the ICD-9 equivalent of G44.1?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, vascular headache, not elsewhere classified converts to ICD-9-CM 784.0 (headache). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.
Footnotes
[1] Not chronic - A diagnosis code that does not fit the criteria for chronic condition (duration, ongoing medical treatment, and limitations) is considered not chronic. Some codes designated as not chronic are acute conditions. Other diagnosis codes that indicate a possible chronic condition, but for which the duration of the illness is not specified in the code description (i.e., we do not know the condition has lasted 12 months or longer) also are considered not chronic.
