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ICD-10 Coding for Hypertension(I10)

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

Also known as:

High Blood PressureHTNhbp

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hypertension

I10-I15Primary Range

Hypertensive diseases

This range includes all codes related to hypertension, including primary hypertension and secondary hypertension due to other conditions.

Key Information: What are free ICD-10 codes?

Essential facts and insights about Hypertension

Free ICD-10 codes refer to publicly accessible ICD-10 coding resources available without cost, often provided by organizations like CMS.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for free

Essential (primary) hypertension
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Blood pressure readings consistently above 140/90 mmHg

Applicable To

  • High blood pressure

Excludes

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

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Blood pressure consistently above 140/90 mmHg
  • No identifiable secondary cause

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure no secondary causes are present to avoid misclassification.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure accurate documentation of blood pressure readings and absence of secondary causes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other long term (current) drug therapy

Z79.899
Use to indicate long-term use of antihypertensive medications.

Differential Codes

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

Hypertensive heart disease without heart failure

I11.9
Use when there is evidence of heart disease due to hypertension.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting 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 inappropriate treatment adjustments., Regulatory: Non-compliance with treatment guidelines., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Regularly review and document medication adherence., Discuss barriers to adherence with patients.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient care.

Mitigation Strategy

Thoroughly evaluate and document any potential secondary causes.

Impact

Risk of incorrect coding due to lack of specificity in documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular training on hypertension documentation and coding.

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

Documentation Templates for Hypertension

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

Hypertension management in primary care

Specialty: Internal Medicine

Required Elements

  • Blood pressure readings
  • Medication adherence
  • Lifestyle modifications

Example Documentation

Patient presents with BP 150/95 mmHg. Advised lifestyle changes and medication adjustment.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
HTN, adjust meds
Good Documentation Example
Essential hypertension uncontrolled (BP 155/92), intensify lisinopril to 20mg daily due to persistent elevation despite adherence
Explanation
The good example provides specific BP readings and a clear plan of action.

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

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