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ICD-10 Coding for Arterial Hypertension(I10, I11.0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Arterial Hypertension. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

High Blood PressureHypertension

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Arterial Hypertension

I10-I16Primary Range

Hypertensive diseases

This range includes all primary and secondary hypertensive conditions, essential for coding arterial hypertension.

Heart failure

Used as ancillary codes when hypertension is associated with heart failure.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Relevant for coding hypertensive CKD, indicating the stage of kidney disease.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I10Essential (primary) hypertensionUse when hypertension is diagnosed without heart or kidney involvement.
  • Two separate BP readings >140/90 mmHg
  • Absence of heart or kidney disease
I11.0Hypertensive heart disease with heart failureUse when hypertension is documented with heart failure.
  • Documentation of heart failure due to hypertension

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for arterial hypertension

Essential facts and insights about Arterial Hypertension

The ICD-10 code for essential arterial hypertension is I10.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for arterial hypertension

Essential (primary) hypertension
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Two separate BP readings >140/90 mmHg

documentation Criteria

  • Document absence of heart or kidney disease

Applicable To

  • High blood pressure

Excludes

  • Hypertensive heart disease (I11.-)
  • Hypertensive chronic kidney disease (I12.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Two separate BP readings >140/90 mmHg
  • Absence of heart or kidney disease

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification with secondary hypertension

Coding Notes

  • Ensure two separate elevated readings before coding.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Heart failure

I50.-
Use when heart failure is present with hypertension.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Elevated blood pressure reading, without diagnosis of hypertension

R03.0
Use R03.0 for single elevated BP readings without a formal hypertension diagnosis.

Heart failure

I50.-
Use I50.- to specify the type of heart failure.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Arterial Hypertension to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I10.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguous diagnosis, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Specify BP readings, Confirm diagnosis with criteria

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect reimbursement for non-chronic condition, Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation

Mitigation Strategy

Use R03.0 for transient or single elevated BP readings.

Impact

Failure to document causality between hypertension and heart/kidney disease

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure clear documentation linking hypertension to comorbid conditions.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Arterial Hypertension, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Arterial Hypertension

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Arterial Hypertension. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Hypertension Follow-Up

Specialty: Internal Medicine

Required Elements

  • BP readings
  • Medication adherence
  • Comorbid conditions

Example Documentation

BP: 142/90, eGFR: 58 mL/min/1.73m², Plan: Add ACE inhibitor.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
High BP noted.
Good Documentation Example
BP 152/94 and 148/92 on two visits, confirming essential hypertension.
Explanation
The good example provides specific BP readings and confirms diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Arterial Hypertension? Ask your questions below.

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