Hypertensive urgency
ICD-10 I16.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of hypertensive urgency.
Hypertensive urgency is characterized by severely elevated blood pressure, typically defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 180 mmHg or higher and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 120 mmHg or higher, without evidence of acute end-organ damage. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as headache, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds, but may not exhibit signs of acute complications. The condition primarily involves the cardiovascular system, particularly the heart and blood vessels, as prolonged hypertension can lead to significant damage to these structures. Disease progression can lead to chronic conditions such as heart failure, stroke, or renal impairment if not managed appropriately. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough history and physical examination, blood pressure measurements, and possibly laboratory tests to rule out end-organ damage. It is essential to differentiate hypertensive urgency from hypertensive emergency (I16.1), where acute organ damage is present, as this influences treatment strategies and urgency of intervention.
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
I16.0 specifically covers cases of hypertensive urgency where patients exhibit severely elevated blood pressure without acute end-organ damage. It does not include cases where organ damage is present, which would be classified under I16.1.
I16.0 should be used when a patient presents with severely elevated blood pressure but does not show signs of acute organ damage. If there is evidence of organ damage, I16.1 should be used instead.
Documentation should include the patient's blood pressure readings, a description of symptoms, and a clear statement indicating the absence of acute end-organ damage. Additional clinical assessments may also be necessary to support the diagnosis.
