EM Coding Alert

Question: My physician recently diagnosed a patient with hemiplegic migraines, but I’ve never heard of this type of migraine before. How do I code for them?

Minnesota Subscriber

Answer: With the implementation of ICD-10 came additional, specific codes for migraine headaches, including » choices for hemiplegic migraines. So, you’ll choose from the G43.4- (Hemiplegic migraine) code set. Opt for G43.40- (Hemiplegic migraine, not intractable) for a hemiplegic migraine that is not intractable and G43.41- (Hemiplegic migraine, intractable) for a hemiplegic migraine that is intractable.

When a patient suffers from hemiplegic migraines, he may experience muscle weakness and paralysis so pronounced and extreme that it causes a temporary, stroke-like paralysis on one side of the body (also called hemiplegia). Other common symptoms may include severe, throbbing pain; dizziness/vertigo; confusion; nausea/vomiting; extreme sensitivity to light, sound, and smell; and balance and coordination issues.

Hemiplegic migraines are rare, but very serious and unpredictable. When your physician suspects someone is suffering from hemiplegic migraines, it is imperative that he identifies and diagnoses the condition as quickly as possible so your patient receives the fastest, most targeted care possible.