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ICD-10 Coding for Essential Hypertension(I10)

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

Also known as:

Primary HypertensionHigh Blood Pressurebenign essential hypertension

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Essential Hypertension

I10-I16Primary Range

Hypertensive diseases

This range includes all codes related to hypertension, including essential hypertension and its complications.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for essential hypertension

Essential facts and insights about Essential Hypertension

The ICD-10 code for essential hypertension is I10, used when hypertension is diagnosed without heart or kidney complications.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for essential hypertension

Essential (primary) hypertension
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Two separate elevated BP measurements ≥140/90 mmHg

coding Criteria

  • Exclusion of secondary hypertension causes

Applicable To

  • High blood pressure
  • Hypertension

Excludes

  • Hypertensive heart disease (I11.-)
  • Hypertensive chronic kidney disease (I12.-)
  • Secondary hypertension (I15.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Two separate elevated BP measurements ≥140/90 mmHg
  • Exclusion of secondary causes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using I10 for a single elevated reading

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'essential hypertension' or 'primary hypertension'.

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 when elevated BP is noted without a formal diagnosis of hypertension.

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 heart failure is present with hypertension.

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

I12.9
Use when CKD is present with hypertension.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Essential 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 plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terminology like 'essential hypertension'., Ensure documentation reflects clinical guidelines.

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 diagnosis.

Impact

Incorrect use of I10 when organ damage is present.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on correct code usage and 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 Essential Hypertension, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Essential Hypertension

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

Primary Care Visit for Hypertension Management

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • BP readings
  • Comorbidities
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: 'No headaches, visual changes, or edema' **Objective**: BP: 148/92 (Left arm, seated) **Assessment**: 'Essential hypertension (I10) confirmed by elevated readings' **Plan**: Start hydrochlorothiazide 25mg daily, recheck BP in 2 weeks

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
HTN, start meds
Good Documentation Example
New diagnosis essential hypertension (I10) per AHA criteria with BP 144/92 and 142/90. No LVH on EKG, eGFR 85. Starting lisinopril 10mg daily.
Explanation
The good example provides specific BP readings, diagnosis criteria, and treatment plan.

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

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