R51
Header — not billableHeadache
The ICD-10 code for headache is R51.
R51 is a non-billable header code. It groups related conditions but cannot be used on its own for reimbursement — select one of the 2 more specific codes below.
Clinical notes
Documentation support
General coding-documentation guidance — not a substitute for payer-specific requirements or professional coding judgment.
- •This is a non-billable header code. Documentation must support a more specific child code before this diagnosis can be reported on a claim.
- •As a general rule, code to the highest level of specificity supported by the documentation in the medical record.
Related codes in this category
- R50Fever of other and unknown originnon-billable header
- R52Pain, unspecified
- R53Malaise and fatiguenon-billable header
- R54Age-related physical debility
- R55Syncope and collapse
- R56Convulsions, not elsewhere classifiednon-billable header
- R57Shock, not elsewhere classifiednon-billable header
- R58Hemorrhage, not elsewhere classified
- R59Enlarged lymph nodesnon-billable header
- R60Edema, not elsewhere classifiednon-billable header
- R61Generalized hyperhidrosis
- R62Lack of expected normal physiological development in childhood and adultsnon-billable header
- R63Symptoms and signs concerning food and fluid intakenon-billable header
- R64Cachexia
- R65Symptoms and signs specifically associated with systemic inflammation and infectionnon-billable header
- R68Other general symptoms and signsnon-billable header
- R69Illness, unspecified
- R51Headachenon-billable header
ICD-9-CM equivalent
Informational only — GEM mappings are approximate, not guaranteed one-to-one equivalents. Verify before use in billing.
- 7840Approximate match