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ICD-10 Coding for Uncontrollable Hypertension(I10, I11.0, I12.9, I1A.0)

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

Also known as:

Resistant HypertensionRefractory Hypertension

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Uncontrollable Hypertension

I10-I15Primary Range

Hypertensive diseases

This range includes all primary codes for hypertension, including essential, secondary, and hypertensive heart and renal 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 any specified organ involvement.
  • Diagnosis of hypertension without specified organ damage
I11.0Hypertensive heart disease with heart failureUse when hypertension is accompanied by heart failure.
  • Echocardiogram showing left ventricular hypertrophy
  • Documented heart failure symptoms
I12.9Hypertensive chronic kidney disease with stage 1 through stage 4 chronic kidney disease, or unspecified chronic kidney diseaseUse when hypertension is associated with CKD stages 1-4.
  • eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m²
  • Urine albumin/creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g
I1A.0Resistant hypertensionUse when hypertension is not controlled despite 3+ medications.
  • BP ≥140/90 mmHg on 3+ medications including a diuretic
  • Documentation of medication adherence

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 uncontrollable hypertension

Essential facts and insights about Uncontrollable Hypertension

The ICD-10 code for uncontrollable hypertension is I1A.0, indicating resistant hypertension not controlled with 3 or more medications.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for uncontrollable hypertension

Essential (primary) hypertension
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Diagnosis of hypertension without organ damage

Applicable To

  • High blood pressure

Excludes

  • Hypertensive heart disease (I11.-)
  • Hypertensive renal disease (I12.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Diagnosis of hypertension without specified organ damage

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if organ damage is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure no organ damage is documented when using I10.

Ancillary Codes

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

Long-term (current) use of insulin

Z79.4
Use to indicate long-term use of antihypertensive medications.

Heart failure types

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

CKD stages

N18.x
Use to specify the stage of CKD.

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 when elevated BP is noted but hypertension is not diagnosed.

Heart failure, unspecified

I50.9
Use I50.9 when heart failure is present without hypertension.

Chronic kidney disease, stage 5

N18.5
Use N18.5 when CKD has progressed to stage 5.

Hypertensive urgency

I16.0
Use I16.0 for acute BP elevation without end-organ damage.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Uncontrollable 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 under-treatment of hypertension., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure formal diagnosis of hypertension is documented.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

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

Impact

Reimbursement: May affect reimbursement for resistant hypertension management., Compliance: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient management.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes adherence verification methods.

Impact

Lack of adherence documentation may trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure adherence is documented through reliable methods.

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

Documentation Templates for Uncontrollable Hypertension

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

Resistant Hypertension Management

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Blood pressure readings
  • Medication list
  • Adherence verification
  • Exclusion of secondary causes

Example Documentation

Assessment: Resistant hypertension (I1A.0) - BP: 154/96 mmHg - Current regimen: Amlodipine 10mg + Chlorthalidone 25mg + Spironolactone 25mg - Adherence confirmed via electronic pill monitor (94% doses taken) - Exclusion of white coat effect: 24-hr ABPM average 148/92 mmHg

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
BP high, adjust meds
Good Documentation Example
BP 158/92 mmHg today despite maximal tolerated doses of amlodipine 10mg, lisinopril 40mg, and chlorthalidone 25mg daily. Pill count confirms 100% adherence. No orthostatic symptoms. Fundoscopy shows Grade II hypertensive retinopathy.
Explanation
The good example provides specific BP readings, medication details, adherence confirmation, and additional clinical findings.

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

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