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ICD-10 Coding for Mild Pulmonary Hypertension(I27.20, I27.21)

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

Also known as:

Mild Pulmonary HTNMild PH

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Mild Pulmonary Hypertension

I27.0-I27.29Primary Range

Pulmonary heart disease and diseases of pulmonary circulation

This range includes codes for primary and secondary pulmonary hypertension, including mild cases.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I27.20Unspecified pulmonary hypertensionUse when mild pulmonary hypertension is diagnosed without a specified underlying cause.
  • Right heart catheterization showing mPAP >20 mmHg
  • PVR >2 WU
I27.21Secondary pulmonary arterial hypertensionUse when PH is secondary to drug or toxin exposure.
  • Documentation of drug or toxin exposure
  • Right heart catheterization showing mPAP >20 mmHg

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 mild pulmonary hypertension

Essential facts and insights about Mild Pulmonary Hypertension

The ICD-10 code for mild pulmonary hypertension is I27.20 when etiology is unspecified.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for mild pulmonary hypertension

Unspecified pulmonary hypertension
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Diagnosis of mild pulmonary hypertension with mPAP >20 mmHg

documentation Criteria

  • Lack of specified etiology in documentation

Applicable To

  • Mild pulmonary hypertension without specified etiology

Excludes

  • Pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease (I27.22)
  • Pulmonary hypertension due to lung diseases and hypoxia (I27.23)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Right heart catheterization showing mPAP >20 mmHg
  • PVR >2 WU

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified code without proper documentation of hemodynamics.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes hemodynamic values and any suspected etiology.

Differential Codes

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

Pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease

I27.22
Use when PH is secondary to left heart disease, confirmed by elevated PAWP.

Pulmonary hypertension due to lung diseases and hypoxia

I27.23
Use when PH is secondary to lung diseases such as COPD or interstitial lung disease.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Mild Pulmonary Hypertension to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I27.20.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Reduced reimbursement due to unspecified coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Always query for etiology if not documented.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on PH prevalence and causes.

Mitigation Strategy

Use I27.2x codes for secondary PH with specified etiology.

Impact

Using I27.20 without supporting documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure hemodynamic values and etiology 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 Mild Pulmonary Hypertension, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Mild Pulmonary Hypertension

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

Mild PH due to interstitial lung disease

Specialty: Pulmonology

Required Elements

  • WHO Group classification
  • Hemodynamic values
  • Underlying lung disease

Example Documentation

**Assessment**: Mild pulmonary hypertension (I27.23) due to interstitial lung disease. Hemodynamics: mPAP 22 mmHg, PVR 2.3 WU.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Mild PH noted.
Good Documentation Example
Mild PH (mPAP 22 mmHg) secondary to interstitial lung disease, confirmed by RHC.
Explanation
The good example provides specific hemodynamic data and underlying cause.

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

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