ICD-10 Code I10: Essential (primary) hypertension
Diseases of the circulatory system
ICD-10 code I10 is used for essential (primary) hypertension: high blood pressure without an identified secondary cause.
Coding guidance
I10 covers hypertension classified as benign, essential, malignant, primary or systemic without a specified secondary cause.
It excludes hypertension involving vessels of the brain (I60-I69) and of the eye (H35.0-), which are coded elsewhere.
When hypertension coexists with heart or kidney disease, combination codes from I11-I13 may be required instead.
Documentation and specificity notes
- One of the most frequently reported diagnosis codes in ambulatory care.
- Documentation should record blood pressure readings and the treatment plan.
- Review whether hypertensive heart or chronic kidney disease is present, which changes the correct code.
This page provides a general summary for educational purposes and is not a substitute for the official ICD-10-CM code set, the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, or payer policy. Code sets are updated annually, verify against the current official release before billing.
FAQ
ICD-10 I10, frequently asked questions questions
- What is ICD-10 code I10?
- ICD-10 code I10 is used for essential (primary) hypertension: high blood pressure without an identified secondary cause.
- Is I10 a billable ICD-10 code?
- Yes. I10 is a billable and specific ICD-10-CM code that may be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes, provided documentation supports it.
- What documentation supports I10?
- One of the most frequently reported diagnosis codes in ambulatory care. Documentation should record blood pressure readings and the treatment plan. Review whether hypertensive heart or chronic kidney disease is present, which changes the correct code.
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