When the physician simply documents “hypotension” then your code selection would be I95.9 (Hypotension, unspecified). So, what is the ICD 10 code for hypotension ? It’s not that simple, with this article we will help you understand the different ICD 10 codes you can use to correctly code hypotension.
Blood pressure is the force blood applies against the wall of your blood vessels during the contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle. The medical definition for hypotension is when blood pressure is more lower than normal. That been said, you will find below some ICD 10 codes used for different types of Hypotension.
ICD-10-CM codes related to Hypotension
I95.0 Idiopathic hypotension
I95.1 Orthostatic hypotension
I95.2 Hypotension due to drugs
I95.81 Postprocedural hypotension
I95.89 Other hypotension
Hypotension ICD 10 Coding Tips
- Coders should not code based only on the physician’s documentation of low blood pressure such as 90/60, the physician must document orthostatic hypotension along with vitals in order to use I95.1 (Orthostatic hypotension).
- When the physician simply documents hypotension, then your ICD 10 code selection would be I95.9 (Hypotension, unspecified
- Excludes1 note in the ICD-10 code set says that I95.1 does not include neurogenic orthostatic hypotension [Shy-Drager](G90.3), or orthostatic hypotension due to drugs (I95.2)
- The physician should include documentation so the coder can identify if the hypotension is idiopathic, due to a drug, orthostatic, or hypotension due to another condition.
Always remember the Coder Golden Rule: If it was not documented, it was not done
Other facts about Blood pressure
Blood pressure is recorded by two numbers. The first and higher of the two is a measure of systolic pressure, or the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and fills them with blood. The second number measures diastolic pressure, or the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.
There are two types of hypotension:
- Primary (essential) hypotension: This is a permanent reduction in blood pressure without an exact cause. It is most commonly found in young and slim women.
- Secondary hypotension: In the much rarer secondary hypotension, the low blood pressure arises from illnesses or side effects or overdoses of medication.
Disorders that can cause low blood pressure include:
- Hormonal diseases (underactive adrenal cortex, dysfunction of the pituitary gland or hypothyroidism.
- Heart and cardiovascular system disorders (irregular heartbeat, cardiovascular disorders )
- Acute and chronic infections
- Neurological disorders
- Severe lack of fluids or blood (anemia)
- Overreaction of the vegetative nervous system due to psychological stress (so-called vasovagal reaction)
- Sinking of the blood volume in the lower half of the body when standing up (so-called orthostatic syndrome)
Symptoms:
- Paleness, cold hands and feet
- Tremble
- rapid fatigue, lack of concentration
- dizziness
- a headache
- Tachycardia
- Tendency to collapse, syncope
The occurrence of brief fainting fits (syncope) is of the greatest relevance. Due to the low blood pressure – compared to the ideal value (120/80 mmHg) – the brain is deprived of oxygen-rich blood and therefore unconscious. This often leads to falls and related injuries.
The word hypotension is a hybrid of the Greek “hypo” meaning “under” and the Latin “tensio” meaning “to stretch.” In French, “la tension” is “the blood pressure.
Latest News about Hypotension and ICD10 coding
CMS Expands Coverage of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM). To read the decision, visit the CMS website at: https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/nca-decision-memo.aspx?NCAId=294
