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ICD-10 Coding for Hypertension Benign(I10)

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

Also known as:

Benign HypertensionEssential Hypertension

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hypertension Benign

I10Primary Range

Essential (primary) hypertension

This is the primary code for essential hypertension, encompassing all forms previously classified as benign or malignant.

Hypertensive heart and kidney disease

Used when hypertension is associated with heart or kidney disease.

Elevated blood pressure reading, without diagnosis of hypertension

Used for transient hypertension or pre-hypertension.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for benign hypertension

Essential facts and insights about Hypertension Benign

Benign hypertension is coded as I10 in ICD-10, covering all forms of essential hypertension without organ damage.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for hypertension benign

Essential (primary) hypertension
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • BP readings ≥140/90 mmHg on two separate occasions

coding Criteria

  • No documented organ damage

Applicable To

  • Hypertension
  • High blood pressure

Excludes

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

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • BP readings ≥140/90 mmHg on two separate occasions

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using I10 when organ damage is present.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes BP readings and excludes organ damage.

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 elevated BP readings without a formal hypertension diagnosis.

Differential Codes

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

Hypertensive heart disease with heart failure

I11.0
Use when hypertension is documented with heart failure.

Hypertensive chronic kidney disease with stage 1 through stage 4 CKD, or unspecified CKD

I12.9
Use when hypertension is documented with CKD.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis confirmation., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denial.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include BP readings., Clarify if organ damage is present.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to undercoding and lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use combination codes like I11 or I12 when organ damage is documented.

Impact

Incorrect use of I10 when organ damage is present.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on proper documentation and coding practices.

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

Documentation Templates for Hypertension Benign

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

New hypertension diagnosis

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • BP readings on two separate visits
  • No organ damage
  • Lifestyle modification plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with BP 146/92 on 3/1 and 144/94 on 3/28. No LVH on EKG. Diagnosis: Essential hypertension (I10). Plan: Start hydrochlorothiazide.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
HTN, follow-up.
Good Documentation Example
Essential hypertension, BP 142/90 and 144/88 on two visits, no cardiac/renal involvement.
Explanation
The good example provides specific BP readings and rules out organ involvement, supporting the I10 code.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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