ICD-10 Coding for Intracranial Hypertension(G93.2, I16.9)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Intracranial Hypertension. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Intracranial Hypertension
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| G93.2 | Benign intracranial hypertension | Use when idiopathic intracranial hypertension is confirmed by clinical criteria and diagnostic tests. |
|
| I16.9 | Hypertensive crisis, unspecified | Use when intracranial hypertension is secondary to a hypertensive crisis. |
|
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 intracranial hypertension
Essential facts and insights about Intracranial Hypertension
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for intracranial hypertension
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed elevated lumbar puncture opening pressure and normal imaging
documentation Criteria
- Detailed symptomatology and exclusion of secondary causes
Applicable To
- Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
- Pseudotumor cerebri
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Lumbar puncture opening pressure ≥250 mmH2O
- Normal neuroimaging excluding mass lesions
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if secondary causes are not excluded
- Potential audit if documentation lacks specific diagnostic criteria
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation includes specific diagnostic criteria and excludes secondary causes.
I16.9 - Hypertensive crisis, unspecified
Use when intracranial hypertension is secondary to a hypertensive crisis.
Excludes
- Hypertensive heart disease (I11.-)
- Hypertensive renal disease (I12.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Blood pressure readings indicating hypertensive urgency or emergency
- Clinical symptoms such as headache, visual changes, or altered mental status
Coding Notes
Document the relationship between hypertension and intracranial pressure.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Intracranial Hypertension to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G93.2.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit and compliance issues., Financial: Potential for claim denials and reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific symptom descriptions, Link symptoms to diagnostic criteria
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and statistics.
Mitigation Strategy
Document and code confirmed hypertension with I10.
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential claim denials due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Risk of audit and non-compliance., Data Quality: Misleading clinical data and treatment plans.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure imaging and clinical tests exclude secondary causes before coding.
Impact
Inadequate documentation of diagnostic criteria for IIH.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all diagnostic criteria and exclusion of secondary causes are documented.
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 Intracranial Hypertension, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Intracranial Hypertension
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Intracranial Hypertension. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Diagnosis
Specialty: NeurologyRequired Elements
- Patient history including symptoms like headache and visual changes
- Lumbar puncture results
- Imaging findings
- Exclusion of secondary causes
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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