2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code G44.86Cervicogenic headache
ICD-10-CM Codes›G00–G99›G40-G47›G44
- Billable — Valid for Submission
- Not Chronic
G44.86 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for cervicogenic headache. 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. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Headache; including migraine.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Approximate SynonymsGuidance
Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.
- Cervicogenic headache
Tabular List NotesGuidance
Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.
Code Also
- associated cervical spinal condition, if known
A "code also" note instructs that two codes may be required to fully describe a condition, but this note does not provide sequencing direction.
Index to Diseases and InjuriesGuidance
Alphabetical index entries that point to this code.
- cervicogenic - G44.86
External Cause of Injuries IndexGuidance
References for this code in the External Cause of Injuries Index.
- Headache
- cervicogenic
Clinical ClassificationClinical
AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.
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 History & ChangesHistory
Replacement G44.86 replaces the following previously assigned code(s):
- G44.89 - Other headache syndrome
Questions About G44.86Overview
Is G44.86 (Other specified headache syndromes) a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report cervicogenic headache on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What MS-DRG does G44.86 group to?
When cervicogenic headache 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.
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.
