Migraine with aura, intractable, with status migrainosus

This code signifies a severe and persistent migraine episode characterized by neurological symptoms (aura) that precede or accompany the headache. The migraine is considered intractable, meaning it is resistant to standard treatments, and has progressed to status migrainosus, indicating a debilitating headache lasting more than 72 hours.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a patient presenting with a migraine that includes an aura, has been refractory to typical abortive therapies, and has persisted for an extended duration, typically exceeding three days. Supporting documentation should detail the presence of aura, failed treatment attempts, and the prolonged, severe nature of the headache.

• Differentiate from G43.101 (migraine with aura, intractable, without status migrainosus) by ensuring the headache duration meets the criteria for status migrainosus.
• Ensure the medical record explicitly states both "intractable" and "status migrainosus" in addition to "migraine with aura."
• Consider sequencing this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, especially for inpatient admissions or emergency department visits.