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ICD-10 Coding for Secondary Hypertension(I15.0, I15.1, I15.2)

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

Also known as:

Secondary HTNHypertension due to underlying condition

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Secondary Hypertension

I15Primary Range

Secondary hypertension

This range includes all codes related to hypertension caused by an identifiable underlying condition.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I15.0Renovascular hypertensionUse when hypertension is due to renal artery stenosis.
  • Renal artery stenosis >70% on angiography
  • BP >140/90 with abdominal bruit
I15.1Hypertension secondary to other renal disordersUse when hypertension is due to a specific renal disorder other than stenosis.
  • Documented renal disorder causing hypertension
I15.2Hypertension secondary to endocrine disordersUse when hypertension is due to an endocrine disorder.
  • Elevated aldosterone/renin ratio
  • Hypokalemia

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 secondary hypertension

Essential facts and insights about Secondary Hypertension

The ICD-10 code for secondary hypertension is I15, with subcategories for specific causes like renovascular and endocrine disorders.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for secondary hypertension

Renovascular hypertension
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of renal artery stenosis confirmed by imaging

Applicable To

  • Hypertension due to renal artery stenosis

Excludes

  • Essential hypertension (I10)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Renal artery stenosis >70% on angiography
  • BP >140/90 with abdominal bruit

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as essential hypertension

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the cause of hypertension.

Ancillary Codes

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

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

N18.x
Use to specify the stage of CKD if present.

Primary hyperaldosteronism

E26.0
Use to specify the endocrine disorder causing hypertension.

Differential Codes

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

Essential (primary) hypertension

I10
Use I10 when no specific underlying cause is identified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Secondary Hypertension to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I15.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of the patient's condition., Use specific ICD-10 codes that reflect the underlying cause.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential underpayment., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient care and research.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the underlying cause of hypertension.

Impact

Risk of coding secondary hypertension as primary due to lack of documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation specifies the underlying cause of hypertension.

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

Documentation Templates for Secondary Hypertension

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

Endocrinology Progress Note

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Subjective: Patient's symptoms and history
  • Objective: Vital signs, lab results, imaging
  • Assessment: Diagnosis with ICD-10 codes
  • Plan: Treatment and follow-up

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: "My BP remains high despite 4 medications." **Objective**: BP: 162/98, Labs: K+ 3.1, aldosterone 28 ng/dL. **Assessment**: Secondary hypertension (I15.2) due to primary aldosteronism (E26.0). **Plan**: Spironolactone 50 mg daily.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
HTN poorly controlled, maybe adrenal issue
Good Documentation Example
Resistant HTN with biochemical evidence of primary aldosteronism (ARR=70). Secondary hypertension (I15.2) due to adrenal adenoma.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab results and links hypertension to a confirmed diagnosis.

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

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