G44.52 ICD-10-CM Code: New daily persistent headache (NDPH)
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FY 2026 Apr update / Diseases of the nervous system (G00-G99) / Episodic and paroxysmal disorders (G40-G47)
G44.52
Billable / SpecificICD-10-CMOfficial ICD-10-CMCodebook guidanceNew daily persistent headache (NDPH)
New daily persistent headache is a condition where someone develops a headache that occurs every day or almost every day, starting suddenly and continuing without significant breaks. This type of headache is different from migraines or tension headaches because it begins abruptly and becomes chronic right from the start.
CMS-HCC V28
00
RAF 0
CMS-HCC V24
00
RAF 0
ACA/HHS
00
RAF 0
ESRD/PACE
00
RAF 0
RXHCC
00
RAF 0
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Code Book Path
Inclusion Terms
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list inclusion terms for G44.52 in this effective period.
Excludes 2
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Excludes 2 notes for G44.52 in this effective period.
Related Child Codes
Includes
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Includes notes for G44.52 in this effective period.
Excludes 1
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Excludes 1 notes for G44.52 in this effective period.
Code First
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Code First sequencing instructions for G44.52 in this effective period.
Use Additional
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Use Additional Code instructions for G44.52 in this effective period.
Code Also
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Code Also instructions for G44.52 in this effective period.
Buddy Documentation Tip
Last updated: FY2026 ICD-10-CM Apr update, Apr 1, 2026 through Sep 30, 2026. CMS-HCC V28 is 100% phased in for payment year 2026.
Is G44.52 an HCC code?
No. G44.52 is a billable ICD-10-CM code but does not map to any HCC category in V28, V24, ESRD, or RxHCC.
Coder workflow notes
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This code does not map to an HCC category in any model (V28, V24, ESRD, RxHCC).
What This Code Means
G44.52 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for new daily persistent headache (ndph). New daily persistent headache is a condition where someone develops a headache that occurs every day or almost every day, starting suddenly and continuing without significant breaks. This type of headache is different from migraines or tension headaches because it begins abruptly and becomes chronic right from the start. G44.52 sits in the ICD-10-CM chapter for diseases of the nervous system (g00-g99), within the section covering episodic and paroxysmal disorders (g40-g47).
G44.52 is a billable ICD-10-CM code but does not map to a payment HCC under the CMS-HCC V28, V24, ESRD, or RxHCC risk adjustment models. It can be reported on Medicare Advantage encounter data submissions but it does not contribute to a beneficiary's RAF score and therefore does not affect risk-adjusted payments to the plan.
Verify that the headache onset was sudden and that it has persisted daily or near-daily since onset; this distinguishes NDPH from other chronic headache conditions.
HCC Buddy maintains structured V28 and V24 mapping, RAF weights, and MEAT documentation criteria for G44.52 sourced directly from the CMS-HCC risk adjustment model files and the CMS ICD-10-CM code set.
Coding Tips
- •Verify that the headache onset was sudden and that it has persisted daily or near-daily since onset; this distinguishes NDPH from other chronic headache conditions
- •Document the date of onset in the medical record, as NDPH is defined by its abrupt beginning and continuous daily pattern, which helps differentiate it from medication overuse headache or other chronic daily headaches