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ICD-10 Coding for Systolic Blood Pressure(I10, I16.1)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Systolic Blood Pressure. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

SBPHigh Blood PressureHypertension

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Systolic Blood Pressure

I10-I16Primary Range

Hypertensive diseases

This range includes codes for various forms of hypertension, including essential hypertension and hypertensive crises.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I10Essential (primary) hypertensionUse when there are two separate office readings ≥140 systolic or ≥90 diastolic confirming essential hypertension.
  • Two separate BP readings ≥140/90 mmHg
  • Exclusion of secondary causes
I16.1Hypertensive emergencyUse when systolic BP is ≥180 mmHg with evidence of acute organ damage.
  • Systolic BP ≥180 mmHg
  • Presence of acute organ damage (e.g., renal failure, pulmonary edema)

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 systolic blood pressure

Essential facts and insights about Systolic Blood Pressure

The ICD-10 code for essential hypertension, which includes elevated systolic blood pressure, is I10. For hypertensive emergencies with systolic BP ≥180 mmHg, use I16.1.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for systolic blood pressure

Essential (primary) hypertension
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Two separate BP readings ≥140/90 mmHg

documentation Criteria

  • Exclusion of secondary causes

Applicable To

  • High blood pressure
  • Hypertension

Excludes

  • Hypertensive heart disease (I11.-)
  • Hypertensive renal disease (I12.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Two separate BP readings ≥140/90 mmHg
  • Exclusion of secondary causes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misdiagnosis without proper BP readings
  • Failure to exclude secondary causes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes two separate elevated BP readings and excludes secondary hypertension.

Ancillary Codes

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

Heart failure

I50.xx
Use with I11.0 for hypertensive heart disease with heart failure.

Pulmonary edema

J81.0
Use to specify pulmonary complications in hypertensive emergencies.

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 single elevated BP readings without a confirmed diagnosis of hypertension.

Hypertensive urgency

I16.0
Use I16.0 for severe hypertension without acute organ damage.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Systolic Blood Pressure to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I10.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis of hypertension., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use BP logs, Verify readings before coding

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure two separate BP readings are documented before coding I10.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment for critical care services., Compliance: Risk of audit findings., Data Quality: Misleading clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Document specific organ damage and BP values to support I16.1.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of organ damage in hypertensive emergencies.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of organ damage and BP readings.

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 Systolic Blood Pressure, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Systolic Blood Pressure

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Systolic Blood Pressure. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Hypertensive emergency in the ED

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • BP readings
  • Organ damage assessment
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

BP 204/118 with retinal hemorrhages on fundoscopy. Troponin 0.78 ng/mL (ref <0.04). CT head: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Code: I16.1 + G93.89.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Very high BP, treat with meds.
Good Documentation Example
BP 192/110 with acute pulmonary edema, treated with IV nitroglycerin.
Explanation
The good example includes specific BP values and documented organ damage, supporting the use of I16.1.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Systolic Blood Pressure? Ask your questions below.

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