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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesI15

I15

Non-billable

Secondary hypertension

BILLABLE STATUSNo
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/06/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 I15 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of secondary hypertension.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Secondary hypertension (I15) refers to high blood pressure that is a result of another underlying health condition. Unlike primary hypertension, which has no identifiable cause, secondary hypertension can be attributed to various factors, including kidney disease, endocrine disorders, and certain medications. Clinically, patients may present with elevated blood pressure readings, often exceeding 140/90 mmHg, alongside symptoms related to the underlying condition, such as headaches, fatigue, or visual disturbances. The anatomy involved primarily includes the cardiovascular system, particularly the heart and blood vessels, as well as the kidneys and endocrine glands that regulate blood pressure. Disease progression can vary significantly based on the underlying cause; for instance, renal artery stenosis may lead to worsening hypertension and potential heart failure if not addressed. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history, physical examination, and targeted laboratory tests to identify the underlying cause, such as imaging studies or hormonal assays. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and treatment of secondary hypertension.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires identification of underlying conditions
  • Treatment complexity: Management depends on the specific cause
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed documentation of underlying conditions is essential
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to reflect the underlying cause

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentifying primary vs. secondary hypertension
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records of underlying conditions
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if underlying causes are not well-documented

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Cardiology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Nephrology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Secondary hypertension has significant clinical implications, as it often indicates serious underlying health issues that require immediate attention. The population health impact is notable, as untreated secondary hypertension can lead to severe cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes. Quality measures focus on the identification and management of secondary causes of hypertension, which can improve healthcare utilization patterns and reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases in the population. Epidemiologically, secondary hypertension is less common than primary hypertension but can have a profound impact on affected individuals.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Secondary hypertension has significant clinical implications, as it often indicates serious underlying health issues that require immediate attention. The population health impact is notable, as untreated secondary hypertension can lead to severe cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes. Quality measures focus on the identification and management of secondary causes of hypertension, which can improve healthcare utilization patterns and reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases in the population. Epidemiologically, secondary hypertension is less common than primary hypertension but can have a profound impact on affected individuals.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement. Providers should ensure that all relevant diagnostic tests and evaluations are documented clearly in the patient's medical record. Common denials may arise if the documentation does not adequately support the diagnosis of secondary hypertension or if the underlying cause is not specified. It is crucial to follow coding best practices, including using the most specific codes available and ensuring that all services provided are linked to the diagnosis.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for I00-I99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for I00-I99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific conditions are covered by I15?

I15 encompasses hypertension secondary to conditions such as chronic kidney disease, Cushing's syndrome, hyperaldosteronism, and certain medications like oral contraceptives or NSAIDs. Each condition has specific diagnostic criteria that must be met for accurate coding.

When should I15 be used instead of related codes?

I15 should be used when hypertension is directly attributable to an identifiable underlying condition. If hypertension is primary or idiopathic, then I10 should be selected. Clear documentation of the underlying cause is essential for appropriate code selection.

What documentation supports I15?

Documentation must include a comprehensive assessment of the patient's medical history, physical examination findings, and results from diagnostic tests that confirm the underlying condition causing hypertension. This may include lab results, imaging studies, and specialist consultations.