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ICD-10 Coding for Primary Hypertension(I10)

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

Also known as:

Essential HypertensionHigh Blood Pressure

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Primary Hypertension

I10-I15Primary Range

Hypertensive diseases

This range includes all codes related to hypertensive diseases, with I10 being the primary code for essential hypertension.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for primary hypertension

Essential facts and insights about Primary Hypertension

The ICD-10 code for primary hypertension is I10. It requires documentation of two elevated BP readings and no secondary causes.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for primary hypertension

Essential (primary) hypertension
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Two separate BP readings ≥140/90 mmHg

documentation Criteria

  • Absence of secondary causes

Applicable To

  • Essential hypertension
  • Primary hypertension

Excludes

  • Hypertensive heart disease (I11.-)
  • Hypertensive chronic kidney disease (I12.-)
  • Hypertensive heart and chronic kidney disease (I13.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Two separate BP readings ≥140/90 mmHg
  • No identifiable secondary cause

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding I10 for a single elevated BP reading.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports a diagnosis of hypertension with two elevated readings.

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 BP is elevated but hypertension is not confirmed.

Differential Codes

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

Elevated blood pressure reading, without diagnosis of hypertension

R03.0
Use R03.0 for a single elevated BP reading without a formal hypertension diagnosis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting 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: May lead to misdiagnosis of hypertension., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure BP is measured and recorded at each visit., Verify documentation before coding.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to underpayment., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Use R03.0 until hypertension is confirmed with two readings.

Impact

Risk of audit if hypertension is coded without sufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation requirements are met before coding.

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

Documentation Templates for Primary Hypertension

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

Routine follow-up for hypertension management

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • BP readings from two separate visits
  • Confirmation of hypertension diagnosis
  • Absence of secondary causes
  • Current treatment plan

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: Patient reports no new symptoms. **Objective**: BP 142/94 (Visit 1: 144/92 on 3/1/2025). **Assessment**: Essential HTN (I10). **Plan**: Continue current medications.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
BP 150/95 today; monitor.
Good Documentation Example
BP 150/95 today; prior visit 148/92. Diagnosed with essential HTN.
Explanation
The good example provides sufficient documentation for a hypertension diagnosis.

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

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