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R51

Non-billable

Headache

R51 is the ICD-10-CM code for Headache. It is a non-billable category code — use a more specific child code such as R51.0 for billing.

Status
Header (non-billable)
Chapter
R00-R99
Subcodes
2
Edition
FY2026

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

What this means — in plain language

MedlinePlus · NIH

Almost everyone has had a headache. Headache is the most common form of pain. It's a major reason people miss days at work or school or visit the doctor. The most common type of headache is a tension headache. Tension headaches are due to tight muscles in your shoulders, neck, scalp and jaw. They are often related to stress, depression or anxiety. You are more likely to get tension headaches if you work too much,…

Read more about Headache at MedlinePlus ↗

Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Informational only — not medical advice.

Excludes2 — not included here

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

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code R51?
R51 is the ICD-10-CM code for "Headache". It falls under R00-R99 Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified.
Is R51 a billable code?
No — R51 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code (such as R51.0) for billing.
What are the subcodes of R51?
R51 has 2 more specific child codes, including R51.0, R51.9.

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM FY2026. For informational purposes only — not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.

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