Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Uncontrolled Malignant Hypertension(I16.1, I10)

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

Also known as:

Hypertensive CrisisHypertensive Emergency

Quick Navigation

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Uncontrolled Malignant Hypertension

I10-I16Primary Range

Hypertensive diseases

This range includes all hypertensive conditions, with I16.1 specifically for hypertensive emergencies with organ damage.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I16.1Hypertensive emergencyUse when there is a hypertensive crisis with evidence of acute organ damage.
  • BP ≥180/120 mmHg with acute organ damage
  • Presence of papilledema or retinal hemorrhages
  • Elevated creatinine or troponin levels
I10Essential (primary) hypertensionUse for chronic hypertension without acute complications.
  • Chronic hypertension without acute organ damage

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 uncontrolled malignant hypertension

Essential facts and insights about Uncontrolled Malignant Hypertension

The ICD-10 code for uncontrolled malignant hypertension is I16.1, indicating a hypertensive emergency with organ damage.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for uncontrolled malignant hypertension

I16.1
Hypertensive emergency
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • BP ≥180/120 mmHg with acute organ damage

documentation Criteria

  • Documented evidence of organ damage such as elevated creatinine

Applicable To

  • Hypertensive crisis with acute organ damage

Excludes

  • Hypertensive urgency (I16.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • BP ≥180/120 mmHg with acute organ damage
  • Presence of papilledema or retinal hemorrhages
  • Elevated creatinine or troponin levels

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as I10 when organ damage is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports the presence of acute organ damage to justify I16.1.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Acute kidney failure, unspecified

N17.9
Use to specify acute kidney injury in the context of hypertensive emergency.

Differential Codes

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

Hypertensive urgency

I16.0
Use I16.0 when there is severe hypertension without acute organ damage.

Hypertensive emergency

I16.1
Use I16.1 when there is acute organ damage.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Uncontrolled Malignant Hypertension to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I16.1.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient's condition severity., Regulatory: Potential audit failure., Financial: Reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of clinical findings., Use templates to guide documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation of acute organ damage to justify I16.1.

Impact

Risk of incorrect coding without proper documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates and ensure complete documentation.

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

Documentation Templates for Uncontrolled Malignant Hypertension

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

Hypertensive Emergency in Emergency Department

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Blood pressure readings
  • Organ damage evidence
  • Temporal relationship of symptoms

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has high blood pressure.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with BP 220/140, acute renal failure, and papilledema. Diagnosis: Hypertensive emergency.
Explanation
The good example provides specific BP readings and evidence of organ damage.

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

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

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more

Helpful Links

How ICD 10 AI Lookup WorksContact UsPrivacy Policy