Abdominal migraine, intractable

This code signifies a severe, ongoing form of abdominal migraine that is resistant to standard treatments. Abdominal migraine is a paroxysmal disorder primarily affecting children, characterized by recurrent episodes of moderate to severe periumbilical abdominal pain, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, anorexia, or pallor. "Intractable" indicates that the condition is difficult to manage and persistent despite therapeutic interventions.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of abdominal migraine that is intractable or refractory to treatment. This typically involves patients experiencing frequent, debilitating episodes of abdominal pain consistent with migraine features, where multiple lines of therapy have failed to provide adequate relief. Supporting documentation should detail the chronic nature of the condition and the lack of response to treatment.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "intractable" or "refractory" in relation to abdominal migraine; otherwise, use G43.D0 (Abdominal migraine, not intractable).
• Do not confuse with other causes of chronic abdominal pain; the diagnosis must specifically be abdominal migraine.
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, followed by any associated symptoms or complications.