Complete Guide to Hypertension ICD-10 Codes
Hypertension is coded using ICD-10-CM categories I10-I16. Essential hypertension (I10) is the most commonly used code, but when hypertension affects the heart or kidneys, more specific codes from I11-I13 are required. Accurate coding depends on documenting the relationship between hypertension and end-organ damage.
17
Billable Codes
2,082,631
Annual Hospitalizations
I10-I16
Code Range
0
New in 2026
Code Categories
Most Common Codes by Hospitalizations
1.I13.2Hypertensive heart and chronic kidney disease with heart failure and with stage 5 chronic kidney disease, or end stage renal disease337,409 hosp.
3.I13.0Hypertensive heart and chronic kidney disease with heart failure and stage 1 through stage 4 chronic kidney disease, or unspecified chronic kidney disease337,195 hosp.
4.I12.0Hypertensive chronic kidney disease with stage 5 chronic kidney disease or end stage renal disease189,590 hosp.
5.I13.11Hypertensive heart and chronic kidney disease without heart failure, with stage 5 chronic kidney disease, or end stage renal disease189,590 hosp.
6.I12.9Hypertensive chronic kidney disease with stage 1 through stage 4 chronic kidney disease, or unspecified chronic kidney disease169,411 hosp.
7.I13.10Hypertensive heart and chronic kidney disease without heart failure, with stage 1 through stage 4 chronic kidney disease, or unspecified chronic kidney disease169,411 hosp.
Complete Code Listing
- I13.0Hypertensive heart and chronic kidney disease with heart failure and stage 1 through stage 4 chronic kidney disease, or unspecified chronic kidney disease
- I13.10Hypertensive heart and chronic kidney disease without heart failure, with stage 1 through stage 4 chronic kidney disease, or unspecified chronic kidney disease
- I13.11Hypertensive heart and chronic kidney disease without heart failure, with stage 5 chronic kidney disease, or end stage renal disease
- I13.2Hypertensive heart and chronic kidney disease with heart failure and with stage 5 chronic kidney disease, or end stage renal disease
Common Coding Mistakes
Using I10 when heart disease or CKD is also documented
Correction: When hypertension coexists with heart disease or CKD, a causal relationship is assumed. Use I11 (heart), I12 (kidney), or I13 (both).
Coding a single elevated blood pressure reading as hypertension
Correction: I10 requires a diagnosis of hypertension. Use R03.0 (elevated blood pressure reading) for isolated findings without diagnosis.
Using separate codes for hypertension and heart failure
Correction: When hypertension and heart failure coexist, use I11.0 (hypertensive heart disease with heart failure) plus the appropriate I50 code.
Forgetting to code the CKD stage with I12/I13
Correction: Codes I12 and I13 require an additional code from N18.- to identify the stage of chronic kidney disease.
Not using I13 when both heart disease AND CKD are present
Correction: When hypertension affects both heart and kidneys, use I13.- codes, not separate I11 and I12 codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICD-10 code for hypertension?
The most common code is I10 (Essential/primary hypertension). However, if hypertension involves the heart, use I11.-; if it involves the kidneys, use I12.-; if both, use I13.-. Secondary hypertension uses I15.-, and hypertensive crisis uses I16.-.
When should I use I10 vs I11?
Use I10 for simple essential hypertension without cardiac involvement. Use I11.- when hypertension coexists with heart disease. ICD-10 guidelines assume a causal relationship between hypertension and heart disease when both are present, unless documentation states otherwise.
How do I code hypertensive emergency?
Use I16.1 for hypertensive emergency (with target organ damage) or I16.0 for hypertensive urgency (severely elevated BP without acute organ damage). Also code any specific organ damage or conditions present.
Do I need additional codes with I12 or I13?
Yes. When using I12 (hypertensive CKD) or I13 (hypertensive heart and CKD), you must also assign a code from N18.- to specify the stage of chronic kidney disease. For I13, also use I50.- if heart failure is present.
Related Resources
Data based on CMS ICD-10-CM codes and Medicare hospitalization statistics. Always verify codes against current clinical documentation.