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ICD-10 Coding for Hypertensive Urgency(I16.0)

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

Also known as:

Severe Hypertension without Organ DamageHTN Urgencyurgent hypertension

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hypertensive Urgency

I10-I16Primary Range

Hypertensive diseases

This range includes codes for various hypertensive conditions, including hypertensive urgency.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for hypertensive urgency

Essential facts and insights about Hypertensive Urgency

The ICD-10 code for hypertensive urgency is I16.0, used for severe hypertension without organ damage.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for hypertensive urgency

Hypertensive urgency
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • BP ≥180/110 mmHg without organ damage

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit documentation of no organ damage

Applicable To

  • Severe hypertension without acute organ damage

Excludes

  • Hypertensive emergency (I16.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Blood pressure ≥180/110 mmHg
  • Absence of acute organ damage

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as hypertensive emergency when organ damage is present.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies no organ damage to differentiate from hypertensive emergency.

Ancillary Codes

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

Essential (primary) hypertension

I10
Use alongside I16.0 if the patient has pre-existing hypertension.

Differential Codes

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

Hypertensive emergency

I16.1
Presence of acute organ damage differentiates hypertensive emergency from urgency.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hypertensive Urgency to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I16.0.

Impact

Clinical: Misclassification of hypertensive crisis type., Regulatory: Potential audit findings., Financial: Reduced reimbursement due to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document BP readings., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Verify absence of organ damage before coding as urgency.

Impact

Risk of miscoding urgency as emergency.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation requirements.

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

Documentation Templates for Hypertensive Urgency

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

Emergency Department Visit

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Blood pressure readings
  • Symptoms
  • Lab results
  • Assessment
  • Plan

Example Documentation

BP: 198/112 mmHg, Symptoms: Mild headache, Labs: Cr 0.9, troponin <0.01, Assessment: Hypertensive urgency, Plan: Restart HCTZ.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
High BP, adjust meds.
Good Documentation Example
BP 190/118 mmHg, no acute organ damage, hypertensive urgency due to nonadherence.
Explanation
The good example provides specific BP readings and clarifies the absence of organ damage.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Hypertensive Urgency? Ask your questions below.

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