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ICD-10 Coding for Essential Primary Hypertension(I10)

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

Also known as:

High Blood PressureHypertension

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Essential Primary Hypertension

I10-I15Primary Range

Hypertensive diseases

This range includes codes for various hypertensive conditions, with I10 specifically for essential primary hypertension.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for essential primary hypertension

Essential facts and insights about Essential Primary Hypertension

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

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for essential primary hypertension

Essential (primary) hypertension
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

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

documentation Criteria

  • Absence of secondary hypertension causes

Applicable To

  • High blood pressure
  • Hypertension

Excludes

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

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Two separate blood pressure readings ≥140/90 mmHg
  • No evidence of secondary hypertension causes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if secondary causes are not ruled out

Coding Notes

  • Ensure to document two separate elevated BP readings and rule out secondary causes.

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 single 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 accompanied by heart failure.

Hypertensive chronic kidney disease, unspecified stage

I12.9
Use when hypertension is accompanied by chronic kidney disease.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Potential misdiagnosis, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Incorrect billing and reimbursement

Mitigation Strategy

Always document exclusion of secondary causes, Use templates to ensure completeness

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential revenue loss, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation

Mitigation Strategy

Use appropriate codes like I11 or I12 when heart or kidney disease is involved.

Impact

Risk of incorrect coding due to lack of documentation

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular audits and training on documentation standards.

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

Documentation Templates for Essential Primary Hypertension

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

Routine Hypertension Management

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

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

Example Documentation

Patient presents with BP readings of 142/94 and 145/92 on separate visits. Diagnosis: Essential hypertension (I10).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
High BP, start meds.
Good Documentation Example
Essential hypertension confirmed by BP 142/94 and 145/92, no secondary causes.
Explanation
The good example provides specific BP readings and rules out secondary causes, ensuring accurate coding.

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

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