Facial Pain ICD-10-CM Codes

What ICD-10 codes are used for facial pain?

Facial pain, a common symptom with various possible underlying causes, is classified by specific ICD-10-CM codes. Here are commonly used codes for facial pain, along with brief clinical descriptions:

G44.209 - Tension-type headache, unspecified, not intractable: Used when facial pain is caused by tension-type headaches without intractability and without progressing to status migrainosus, which may be linked to chronic pain and other nervous system disorders.

R51 - Headache: Applied when facial pain is due to a general headache unspecified without further specification. This is a common ICD 10 code used in 10 cm diagnosis code systems.

G50.0 - Trigeminal neuralgia: For facial pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia, a severe facial pain disorder affecting the trigeminal nerve, one of the major nerves in the nervous system.

G50.1 - Atypical facial pain: This is for atypical face pain which refers to a persistent facial pain or discomfort in the face, ears, mouth, jaw, or neck. Usually, it lacks a clear cause and could last for at least three months.

M26.609 - Unspecified temporomandibular joint disorder, unspecified side.: Used for facial pain related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, often presenting as face pain in patients with jaw dysfunction.

M79.2 - Neuralgia and neuritis, unspecified: Applied when facial pain is due to neuralgia or neuritis without further specification. This ICD 10 code captures pain in various parts of the face when not otherwise classified.

G44.51 - Hemicrania continua: For facial pain caused by hemicrania continua, a headache disorder characterized by continuous, one-sided head pain, sometimes affecting localized regions such as the jaw.

R07.0 - Pain in throat: Used when facial pain is localized in the throat region and may overlap with chronic pain symptoms involving various parts of the face and neck.

Which facial pain ICD codes are billable?

All aforementioned facial pain ICD code for are billable except for R51 which is a nonspecific code.

Clinical information

• Facial pain refers to discomfort or pain experienced in the facial area.
• It can have various causes, including dental problems, sinus infections, neuralgia, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
• Assessment involves a detailed patient history, including the pain's location, duration, and characteristics.
• A physical examination, including inspection of the oral cavity and cranial nerve assessment, is essential.
• Diagnostic tests, such as dental X-rays, CT scans, or MRI, may be necessary to identify the underlying cause.
• Treatment depends on the cause and may involve dental procedures, antibiotics for infections, or pain management medications.
• Patients may benefit from lifestyle modifications, such as stress reduction or dietary changes, for conditions like TMJ disorders.
• Education on proper oral hygiene and dental care is important for prevention and management.
• Referral to specialists like oral surgeons, neurologists, or otolaryngologists may be necessary for complex cases or when specific conditions are suspected.
• Close follow-up is essential to assess treatment effectiveness and monitor for any complications or recurrence of facial pain.

Synonyms include

• Facial neuralgia
• Facial pain syndrome
• Maxillofacial pain
• Orofacial pain
• Craniofacial pain