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ICD-10 Coding for Benign Hypertension(I10)

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

Also known as:

Essential HypertensionPrimary Hypertension

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Benign Hypertension

I10-I15Primary Range

Hypertensive diseases

This range includes all codes related to hypertension, including essential, secondary, and hypertensive heart and kidney disease.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for benign hypertension

Essential facts and insights about Benign Hypertension

The ICD-10 code for benign hypertension is I10, which includes all essential hypertension.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for benign hypertension

Essential (primary) hypertension
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • BP readings consistently ≥140/90 mmHg

documentation Criteria

  • Documented absence of secondary causes

Applicable To

  • Hypertension
  • High blood pressure

Excludes

  • Secondary hypertension (I15.-)
  • Pregnancy-related hypertension (O10-O11)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Systolic ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic ≥90 mmHg on at least two separate visits

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if secondary causes are not ruled out.

Coding Notes

  • ICD-10 does not distinguish between benign and malignant hypertension; all are coded as I10.

Ancillary Codes

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

Elevated blood pressure reading, without diagnosis of hypertension

R03.0
Use for transient or borderline elevated BP readings without a formal hypertension diagnosis.

Differential Codes

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

Secondary hypertension

I15
Use I15 when hypertension is due to an identifiable secondary cause.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis of hypertension., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate staff on documentation standards., Use templates to ensure complete documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may affect reimbursement accuracy., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate health records and statistics.

Mitigation Strategy

Code all essential hypertension as I10.

Impact

Incorrect use of I10 without proper documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation of BP readings and absence of secondary causes.

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 Benign Hypertension, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Benign Hypertension

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

Primary care visit for hypertension management

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Blood pressure readings
  • Medication list
  • Lifestyle modifications
  • Follow-up plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with essential hypertension. BP readings: 140/90 mmHg on 01/01/2023 and 142/92 mmHg on 01/15/2023. Continue lisinopril 10mg daily.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has hypertension.
Good Documentation Example
Patient diagnosed with essential hypertension. BP 140/90 mmHg on 01/01/2023 and 142/92 mmHg on 01/15/2023. Continue lisinopril 10mg daily.
Explanation
The good example provides specific BP readings and treatment plan, meeting documentation requirements.

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

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