What is the ICD-10 Code for Hypertension?
Hypertension, a condition that is diagnosed by providers on a daily basis, is relatively straightforward in practice; however, if documentation is not well-organized, the billing becomes complicated. Incorrect coding on a submitted claim will result in a payor’s automatic denial of the claim—even if the care was appropriate—simply because the code does not match what is documented in the medical record. The primary ICD-10 code used for hypertension is as follows: I10 – Essential (Primary) Hypertension. Unless a provider otherwise documents that a related condition or complication exists, this is the primary or default code to use.Why Coding Accuracy Matters in Claims
Coding accuracy for claims is important because even a simple diagnosis of hypertension can become an issue with claims if coded incorrectly. The payers require absolute specificity on hypertension claims and will have questions about:- What type of hypertension is it?
- Are there any organ involvement(s)?
- Is it related to diabetes or chronic kidney disease?
- Is it systemic or pulmonary?
- How does the outcome relate to his/her level of controlled or uncontrolled hypertension?
Lower Claim Denials
Hypertension claim denials are often the result of selecting I10 when the record indicates that there’s heart disease, CKD, complications of pregnancy, or pulmonary involvement.Higher Reimbursement Levels
The proper code may demonstrate medical necessity and confirm that full reimbursement is given.Better Reporting to the Provider
Hypertension data allows the clinician to monitor and document the severity, progression, and outcome of patients over time, not just with claims.ICD-10 Codes for Hypertension (Complete Breakdown)
ICD-10-CM Code for Essential Hypertension
I10 Use this code for the following types of systemic hypertension: primary, essential, benign, malignant (historically), labile, and hypertension, unspecified. If the provider simply documents “hypertension,” code it to I10.ICD-10-CM Code for Systemic Hypertension
Systemic Hypertension is also coded to I10 unless the medical record documents complications (Heart or Kidneys), or both.ICD-10 Code for Hypertensive Heart Disease
- I11.0 – Hypertensive Heart Disease with Heart Failure
- I11.9 – Hypertensive Heart Disease without Heart Failure
ICD-10 Code for Malignant Hypertension
ICD-10 no longer distinguishes between benign and malignant forms of Hypertension; therefore, the general term I10 will be used unless the physician documents organ damage; therefore, an additional code may be required.ICD-10 Code for Pulmonary Hypertension
- I27.0 – Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
- I27.2 – Other Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension
- I27.21 – Secondary Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
ICD-10 Code for Uncontrolled Hypertension
If the documentation includes the term “uncontrolled” then use I10 unless complications are included.ICD-10-CM Code for Controlled Hypertension
Even though Controlled Hypertension will be reflected in an ICD-10 code; its status has no bearing on the assigned code.ICD-10 Code for Labile Hypertension
Also, I10 unless there are recorded complications.ICD-10 Codes for Unspecified, Chronic, and Arterial Hypertension
In ICD-10-CM, terms like arterial hypertension ICD 10, chronic hypertension ICD 10, and hypertension unspecified ICD 10 all default to I10, unless the provider documents complications or an associated condition. ICD-10 no longer differentiates between benign, malignant, arterial, or chronic hypertension as standalone diagnoses. If the medical record simply states “hypertension,” “arterial hypertension,” or “chronic hypertension,” I10 ICD-10 remains the correct diagnosis code. Similarly, ICD 10 labile hypertension and fluctuating blood pressure readings do not change code selection unless there is documented organ involvement. From a billing standpoint, coders must rely strictly on provider documentation — descriptive terms alone do not justify moving away from ICD-10 code I10.Specific Condition-Based Hypertension ICD-10 Codes
As ICD code is used to notify the underlying cause (disease ) its use is dictated sometimes by the commonality or severity of conditions. Review the following conditions and their specific ICD CodesElevated Blood Pressure vs Hypertension — ICD-10 Coding Differences
Not all high blood pressure readings qualify as hypertension. When documentation reflects elevated blood pressure without diagnosis of hypertension, the correct ICD-10 code is R03.0 – Elevated blood-pressure reading, without diagnosis of hypertension. This distinction is critical for payers, as ICD-10 code for elevated blood pressure does not carry the same medical necessity or reimbursement implications as I10. Using I10 when the provider has not diagnosed hypertension can trigger denials or audits. Elevated BP readings alone — especially in acute or one-time encounters — must be coded accurately. Proper differentiation between R03.0 and hypertension ICD-10 protects claims and ensures clinical accuracyICD-10 Code for Accelerated Hypertension
I16.0 – Hypertensive urgency / accelerated hypertension Used when BP rises quickly without acute organ damage.ICD-10 Code for Chronic Pulmonary Hypertension
I27.20 – Unspecified pulmonary hypertension Codes vary by type; example: I27.21 for pulmonary arterial.ICD-10 Code for Diabetes with Hypertension
These are coded separately unless the provider states a causal link.- E11.9 – Type 2 diabetes without complications
- I10 – Hypertension
ICD-10 Code for Hypertension with CKD
- I12.0 – Hypertensive CKD with stage 1–4
- I12.9 – Hypertensive CKD, unspecified
ICD-10 Code for Hypertensive Cardiomyopathy
Use: I42.0 – Dilated cardiomyopathy + The appropriate hypertension code (I10 or I11.x)ICD-10 Code for Hypertensive Emergency
I16.1 – Hypertensive emergency Use when there’s acute organ damage.ICD-10 Code for Hypertensive Urgency
I16.0 Elevated BP without acute organ injury.ICD-10 Code for Intracranial Hypertension
G93.2 – Benign intracranial hypertension Not related to systemic blood pressure.ICD-10 Code for Portal Hypertension
K76.6 – Portal hypertension Seen in liver disease; unrelated to systemic hypertension.ICD-10 Code for Postpartum Hypertension
O16.5 – Unspecified maternal hypertension, postpartumICD-10 Code for Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
- O13.0 – Gestational hypertension without proteinuria
- O14.x – Preeclampsia (with proteinuria)
ICD-10 Code for Refractory or Resistant Hypertension
If not documented with complications, still I10.ICD-10 Code for Venous Hypertension
I87.3 – Chronic venous hypertensionICD-10 Code for History of Hypertension
Z86.79 – Personal history of other circulatory diseasesICD-10 Code for Hypertension Unspecified
Default: I10ICD-10 Code Table for Quick Reference
| Condition | ICD-10 Code |
| Essential / Primary Hypertension | I10 |
| Hypertensive Heart Disease w/ HF | I11.0 |
| Hypertensive Heart Disease w/o HF | I11.9 |
| Pulmonary Hypertension — Primary | I27.0 |
| Pulmonary Hypertension — Secondary | I27.2 |
| Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension | I27.21 |
| Hypertensive Urgency | I16.0 |
| Hypertensive Emergency | I16.1 |
| CKD + Hypertension Stage 1–4 | I12.0 |
| CKD + Hypertension Unspecified | I12.9 |
| Intracranial Hypertension | G93.2 |
| Portal Hypertension | K76.6 |
| Gestational Hypertension | O13.0 |
| Preeclampsia | O14.0+ |
| Postpartum Hypertension | O16.5 |
| Venous Hypertension | I87.3 |
| History of Hypertension | Z86.79 |
White Coat Hypertension and History of Pulmonary Hypertension in ICD-10
White coat hypertension ICD-10 (also searched as white coat HTN ICD 10) refers to elevated blood pressure readings occurring only in clinical settings. This condition does not qualify as chronic or essential hypertension and should not be coded as I10 unless the provider formally diagnoses hypertension. Many payers scrutinize these cases closely, especially when antihypertensive therapy is involved. Additionally, when a patient has a history of pulmonary hypertension, coders should use Z86.79 – Personal history of other circulatory diseases, not active pulmonary hypertension codes like I27.x. Active disease and historical conditions are coded differently, and confusing the two can result in claim denials or incorrect risk adjustment.Documentation Tips for Hypertension Medical Billing
If you want the claim paid the first time, the provider’s documentation must mention:- Type of hypertension (primary, portal, pulmonary, pregnancy-related)
- Presence of heart disease or failure
- Kidney involvement or CKD stage
- Diabetes link
- Pregnancy, postpartum, or gestational status
- Hypertensive crisis (urgency or emergency)
- Clarity on “controlled,” “uncontrolled,” or “labile”
Common Coding Mistakes to Avoid
Coding every hypertension diagnosis as I10
If the record shows heart disease, CKD, pregnancy status, or pulmonary issues, I10 may be wrong.Forgetting to code CKD stage
I12.x requires an N18.x code.Linking diabetes and hypertension without provider language
The coder cannot assume a connection.Confusing pulmonary hypertension with systemic hypertension
They are completely different conditions and use different code families.Neglecting to code hypertensive emergency/urgency separately
I16.x codes describe severity — and they matter.How A2Z Billings Helps With Hypertension Coding & Claims
Hypertension claims shouldn’t be a reason providers lose money — but they often are. The patterns are predictable:- Wrong code → Denial
- Missing linkage → Denial
- Missing CKD stage → Denial
- Wrong hypertension type → Denial
- Fewer denials
- Faster submission
- Cleaner documentation guidance
- Accurate hypertension coding across all variants
Conclusion
Hypertension is prevalent among many patients but coding of this condition correctly requires close attention to documentation detail. There are many types of hypertension; the most common types of hypertension include essential hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), heart failure, hypertensive crisis and pregnancy related conditions. It is imperative that the code is an exact match with the documentation for the patient’s clinical history in the chart. You want to reduce denial rates as well as make the process of completing a full claim clearer for both you and your patients. Our billing specialists have the expertise to provide you with assistance in navigating Hypertension within the ICD-10 coding system. For assistance with Hypertension denial management, or if you would like to know how to improve your Billing process workflow, please feel free to contact us for an appointment today!FAQs
The standard code for primary hypertension is I10.
Malignant or benign distinctions in ICD10 no longer exist; therefore, you would use I10 - unless there was documentation of organ damage or a crisis stage.
icd 10 would still apply unless complications were noted like heart failure or chronic kidney disease.
Hypertensive emergencies are coded as I16.1.
Primary pulmonary hypertension is coded as I27.0; secondary pulmonary hypertension is coded as I27.2.
If gestational hypertension is diagnosed without proteinuria, use the code O13.0; if gestational hypertension is accompanied by proteinuria, refer to codes O14.x for pre-eclampsia.
Diabetes and hypertension are coded separately: E11.9 + I10 unless otherwise dictated by the physician who links them.