What is the ICD-10 code for hypertension?

The ICD-10-CM code for hypertension is I10 when documented without further specification. More specific documentation changes the code — see the scenario table.

Yes — I10 is a billable ICD-10-CM code, but payers expect the most specific code the documentation supports.

ICD-10 Code for hypertension

The ICD-10-CM code for hypertension is I10 when documented without further specification. Essential (primary) hypertension is I10. Hypertension combined with heart or kidney disease uses combination categories I11-I13 instead - the conditions are presumed related per the Official Guidelines.

Which Code Should You Use?

I10 — Essential (primary) hypertension

Essential hypertension without documented heart or CKD involvement.

I11.9 — Hypertensive heart disease without heart failure

Hypertensive heart disease without heart failure.

I12.9 — Hypertensive chronic kidney disease with stage 1 through stage 4 chronic kidney disease, or unspecified chronic kidney disease

Hypertension with CKD stage 1-4 (or unspecified) - code also the N18.- stage.

I13.10 — Hypertensive heart and chronic kidney disease without heart failure, with stage 1 through stage 4 chronic kidney disease, or unspecified chronic kidney disease

Hypertension with both heart disease (no failure) and CKD stage 1-4.

R03.0 — Elevated blood-pressure reading, without diagnosis of hypertension

Elevated blood-pressure reading WITHOUT a hypertension diagnosis.

What to Document

Whether heart disease or CKD is present (changes the category entirely).
Heart failure type/status if present (determines I11.0 + I50.- coding).
CKD stage (drives the I12/I13 4th-5th characters plus N18.-).

Coding Notes

Per Official Guidelines section I.C.9, hypertension with heart or kidney involvement is presumed causally related unless the provider documents a different cause - use the combination categories, not I10 plus a separate code.

ICD-10 Code for hypertension

Which Code Should You Use?

What to Document

Coding Notes

References

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