Hypertensive emergency
ICD-10 I16.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of hypertensive emergency.
Hypertensive emergency is a critical condition characterized by severely elevated blood pressure, typically defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) greater than 180 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) greater than 120 mmHg, accompanied by acute end-organ damage. The cardiovascular system is primarily affected, with potential complications including myocardial infarction, stroke, acute heart failure, and renal failure. The anatomy involved includes the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys, which may suffer from ischemia or hemorrhage due to the extreme pressure. Disease progression can be rapid, leading to significant morbidity and mortality if not promptly treated. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical assessment, blood pressure measurement, and evaluation of end-organ function through laboratory tests and imaging studies. Patients may present with symptoms such as headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, or altered mental status, necessitating immediate medical intervention to lower blood pressure and prevent further complications.
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
I16.1 covers hypertensive emergencies that involve acute end-organ damage, such as hypertensive encephalopathy, acute myocardial infarction, acute renal failure, and aortic dissection.
I16.1 should be used when there is evidence of acute end-organ damage due to severely elevated blood pressure, differentiating it from I16.0 (hypertensive urgency) where no such damage is present.
Documentation should include blood pressure readings, clinical symptoms, evidence of end-organ damage (e.g., lab results, imaging), and treatment provided during the emergency.
