2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R51.0

Approximate Synonyms

The following clinical terms are approximate synonyms or lay terms that might be used to identify the correct diagnosis code:

• Orthostatic headache
• Postural headache

Clinical Information

• Cluster Headache

  a primary headache disorder that is characterized by severe, strictly unilateral pain which is orbital, supraorbital, temporal or in any combination of these sites, lasting 15-180 min. occurring 1 to 8 times a day. the attacks are associated with one or more of the following, all of which are ipsilateral: conjunctival injection, lacrimation, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, facial sweating, eyelid edema, and miosis. (international classification of headache disorders, 2nd ed. cephalalgia 2004: suppl 1)

• Headache

  the symptom of pain in the cranial region. it may be an isolated benign occurrence or manifestation of a wide variety of headache disorders.

• Headache Disorders

  various conditions with the symptom of headache. headache disorders are classified into major groups, such as primary headache disorders (based on characteristics of their headache symptoms) and secondary headache disorders (based on their etiologies). (international classification of headache disorders, 2nd ed. cephalalgia 2004: suppl 1)

• Headache Disorders, Primary

  conditions in which the primary symptom is headache and the headache cannot be attributed to any known causes.

• Headache Disorders, Secondary

  conditions with headache symptom that can be attributed to a variety of causes including brain vascular disorders; wounds and injuries; infection; drug use or its withdrawal.

• Migraine Disorders

  a class of disabling primary headache disorders, characterized by recurrent unilateral pulsatile headaches. the two major subtypes are common migraine (without aura) and classic migraine (with aura or neurological symptoms). (international classification of headache disorders, 2nd ed. cephalalgia 2004: suppl 1)

• Post-Dural Puncture Headache

  a secondary headache disorder attributed to low cerebrospinal fluid pressure caused by spinal puncture, usually after dural or lumbar puncture.

• Post-Traumatic Headache

  secondary headache attributed to trauma of the head and/or the neck.

• Tension-Type Headache

  a common primary headache disorder, characterized by a dull, non-pulsatile, diffuse, band-like (or vice-like) pain of mild to moderate intensity in the head; scalp; or neck. the subtypes are classified by frequency and severity of symptoms. there is no clear cause even though it has been associated with muscle contraction and stress. (international classification of headache disorders, 2nd ed. cephalalgia 2004: suppl 1)

• Vascular Headaches

  secondary headache disorders attributed to a variety of cranial or cervical vascular disorders, such as brain ischemia; intracranial hemorrhages; and central nervous system vascular malformations.

R51.0 is grouped with Diagnostic Related Groups - MS-DRG Mapping

Diagnostic Related Groups (DRGs) are a classification system used to group together diagnosis codes for the purpose of reimbursement and healthcare management. DRGs are used to standardize the way hospitals and other providers are paid for inpatient services. In this system patients are grouped together based on their principal diagnosis in areas referred to as Major Diagnostic Categories (MDC). Once a patient is assigned a particular diagnostic category, providers receive a predetermined payment rate for the services rendered. This reimbursement rate is often fixed and is meant to cover the cost of care for that patient. Reimbursement is also affected by the relative weight of a diagnostic related group based on the severity of a patient's illness and the associated cost of care during hospitalization.

Diagnostic related groups encourage healthcare providers to focus on quality and efficiency in patient care while managing costs effectively. The diagnosis code is present in the following groups for version MS-DRG V41.0 applicable from 10/01/2023 through 09/30/2024.

The relative weight of a diagnostic related group determines the reimbursement rate based on the severity of a patient's illness and the associated cost of care during hospitalization.

Replacement Code

R510 replaces the following previously assigned ICD-10-CM code(s):

• R51 - Headache

Patient Education

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.

The most common type of headache is a tension headache. Tension headaches are due to tight muscles in your shoulders, neck, scalp and jaw. They are often related to stress, depression or anxiety. You are more likely to get tension headaches if you work too much, don't get enough sleep, miss meals, or use alcohol.

Other common types of headaches include migraines, cluster headaches, and sinus headaches. Most people can feel much better by making lifestyle changes, learning ways to relax and taking pain relievers.

Not all headaches require a doctor's attention. But sometimes headaches warn of a more serious disorder. Let your health care provider know if you have sudden, severe headaches. Get medical help right away if you have a headache after a blow to your head, or if you have a headache along with a stiff neck, fever, confusion, loss of consciousness, or pain in the eye or ear.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Code History

• FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
• FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
• FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
• FY 2021 - Code Added, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021