U.S. ICD-10-CM · FY 2027

R51 ICD-10-CM Code: Headache

A clear reference for the official code description, hierarchy, and related coding information from the FY 2027 U.S. release.

Code definition

Official description

R51

Headache

ICD-10-CM diagnosis code · United States clinical modification

Classification

Where R51 sits

  1. 1

    Chapter 18

    Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99)

  2. 2

    Section

    General symptoms and signs (R50-R69)

  3. 3

    Category R51

    Headache

  4. 4

    Code R51

    Headache

More specific choices

Codes under R51

R51 is a non-billable category. Choose the child code that best matches the documented diagnosis.

Documentation details

Notes for this code

Inclusion terms

No inclusion terms are listed for R51.

Code first

No “code first” instruction is listed for R51.

Use additional code

No “use additional code” instruction is listed for R51.

Excludes1

Conditions that should not be reported together with this code.

No Excludes1 note is listed for R51.

Excludes2

Conditions not included here that may be reported separately when present.

  • atypical face pain (G50.1)
  • migraine and other headache syndromes (G43-G44)
  • trigeminal neuralgia (G50.0)

Transparency

Source and release

Data release

U.S. ICD-10-CM · FY 2027

Effective date

Oct 1, 2026

This reference is generated from Vero’s ICD-10-CM description, hierarchy, and code-note dataset. The visible content and structured data share that source.

Review the CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM source

Code-specific guidance

Frequently asked questions

What does ICD-10-CM code R51 mean?

R51 is the FY 2027 U.S. ICD-10-CM code for “Headache.”

Is R51 a billable or specific ICD-10-CM code?

No. R51 has more specific child codes in the FY 2027 reference data. Select the code that matches the documentation and confirm the active code set and payer requirements.

Where is R51 located in ICD-10-CM?

R51 is listed in Chapter 18, Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99), within General symptoms and signs (R50-R69) (R50–R69), under category R51, Headache.

What coding notes are listed for R51?

No inclusion terms are listed for R51 in this reference record. No code-first instruction is listed. No Excludes1 note is listed. Excludes2 notes: atypical face pain (G50.1); migraine and other headache syndromes (G43-G44); trigeminal neuralgia (G50.0).

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