Elevated Blood Pressure Reading ICD-10-CM codes

R03.0 is an elevated blood pressure reading without a diagnosis of hypertension. The index directs an incidental, isolated, or nonspecific elevated reading with no hypertension diagnosis here, and prehypertension is also coded R03.0. Hypertension, I10, is assigned only when the provider documents the diagnosis; a coder cannot infer it from readings, from a repeat elevated value, or from the patient taking an antihypertensive.

R03.1 is a nonspecific low blood pressure reading, used when the provider notes a low value without diagnosing hypotension. Documented hypotension is I95.- (I95.9 unspecified). Z01.30 is an encounter for a blood pressure examination without abnormal findings, for example a nurse visit to recheck pressure that turns out normal.

R03.0 is not used during pregnancy. An elevated reading in a pregnant patient is reported with the chapter 15 codes: O13.- for gestational hypertension (O13.9 unspecified trimester) or O16.- when the provider does not characterize the hypertension (O16.9). Once hypertension is diagnosed at a later visit, switch to I10 and do not continue reporting R03.0.