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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR03

R03

Abnormal blood-pressure reading, without diagnosis

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R03 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of abnormal blood-pressure reading, without diagnosis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R03 refers to abnormal blood pressure readings that are not attributed to a specific diagnosis. Blood pressure readings can be classified as either elevated or decreased, and may indicate underlying health issues or physiological responses. Common causes of abnormal readings include anxiety, pain, dehydration, or medication effects. Clinically, abnormal blood pressure readings can be transient or persistent and may necessitate further evaluation to determine the underlying cause. It is essential for healthcare providers to document the context in which the reading was taken, including patient symptoms, history, and any relevant clinical findings. This code serves as a placeholder for abnormal readings that require monitoring or further investigation but do not yet meet the criteria for a definitive diagnosis. Accurate documentation is crucial to ensure appropriate follow-up and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in blood pressure readings based on patient condition and context.
  • Need for thorough documentation to support the abnormal reading.
  • Potential for misinterpretation of readings without accompanying clinical information.
  • Differentiation from other codes related to hypertension or hypotension.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation supporting the abnormal reading.
  • Failure to follow up on abnormal readings leading to potential patient harm.
  • Misuse of the code when a specific diagnosis is present.
  • Inconsistent reporting of blood pressure readings across encounters.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's history, symptoms, and any medications that may affect blood pressure.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine check-ups where blood pressure is noted as abnormal but no diagnosis is made.

Billing Considerations

Consider the patient's overall health status and any chronic conditions that may influence blood pressure.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate documentation of vital signs, including context of the abnormal reading.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute symptoms where blood pressure is an important vital sign.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and documentation are critical; ensure follow-up on abnormal readings.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R03 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the abnormal reading is documented clearly and that it is not linked to a specific diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R03 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related Codes

Child Codes

2 codes
R03.0
Elevated blood-pressure reading, without diagnosis of hypertension
R03.1
Nonspecific low blood-pressure reading

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient presents for a follow-up visit with abnormal blood pressure readings.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the visit, vital signs, and any relevant history.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine providers should ensure comprehensive documentation of the patient's condition.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal findings, improving the granularity of data collection and analysis.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal findings, improving the granularity of data collection and analysis.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal findings, improving the granularity of data collection and analysis.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use R03?

Use R03 when a patient presents with an abnormal blood pressure reading that does not correlate with a specific diagnosis. Ensure thorough documentation of the context and any relevant symptoms.