ICD-10 R51
Non-Billable HeaderHeadache
About ICD-10-CM R51
ICD-10-CM code R51 represents Headache. This is a non-billable header code in the Symptoms, Signs, and Abnormal Findings chapter (block R51). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM R51 became effective on October 1, 2025. Non-billable codes cannot be used as a primary or secondary diagnosis on a claim, use a more specific child code instead.
Type 2 Excludes
Not included here, the excluded code is not part of R51, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. Both codes may be coded together when applicable.
- atypical face pain (G50.1)
- migraine and other headache syndromes (G43-G44)
- trigeminal neuralgia (G50.0)
Medicare LCD Coverage for R51
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list R51 as a covered diagnosis.
This doesn't mean the code isn't covered, it means no MAC has issued a Local Coverage Determination naming this specific code. Coverage may still apply under National Coverage Determinations or general medical-necessity rules.
Commercial Payer Coverage
Coverage policies from major commercial payers referencing R51.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but R51 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with R51
Procedures frequently paired with this diagnosis based on PayerReady's Dx↔Px linkage data.
We don't have CPT pairings indexed for this specific code yet. Use the CPT search above to find common procedures, or check your payer's published medical policy for code-specific guidance.
Convert R51 to ICD-9-CM
Per CMS General Equivalence Mappings (GEMs), useful for legacy data review and historical claim analysis.
| ICD-10 | ICD-9 | Mapping Flags |
|---|---|---|
| R51 | 7840 | 10000 |
Flags format (5 digits): Approximate · No Map · Combination · Scenario · Choice List. Source: CMS 2017 GEMs (final version).
Codes Adjacent To R51
Other codes in section R50-R69 (General symptoms and signs).
ICD-10 R51, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code R51 billable? +
No, R51 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block R51 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 2 Excludes for R51? +
Type 2 Excludes (may be coded together when both conditions exist): atypical face pain (G50.1); migraine and other headache syndromes (G43-G44); trigeminal neuralgia (G50.0)
What ICD-9 codes does R51 map to? +
Per CMS GEMs, R51 maps to ICD-9 codes: 7840. Useful for legacy data review and historical claim analysis.
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on June 1, 2026.
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