I15.9

Billable

Secondary hypertension, unspecified

HCC Category Mapping

RxHCCHCC 187 — Hypertension

0.000

What This Code Means

High blood pressure caused by another medical condition or medication, but the specific cause is not documented or identified.

Coding Tips

•This is a less specific code; attempt to identify the underlying cause and use a more specific I15 code when possible
•Query the provider if the secondary cause is not documented in the medical record

Clinical Significance

Secondary hypertension, unspecified, indicates that hypertension has been identified as secondary (not essential/primary) but the specific underlying cause is not documented or determined. This code represents an opportunity for clinical clarification, as identifying the specific cause enables targeted treatment and more accurate coding.

Documentation Requirements

✓Provider documentation stating the hypertension is secondary in nature
✓Clinical reasoning for why essential hypertension has been ruled out
✓Blood pressure readings
✓Workup performed or planned to identify the underlying cause
✓Current antihypertensive treatment regimen
✓Query provider for the specific underlying cause if not yet determined

Commonly Confused Codes

I10 — Essential hypertension (use when hypertension is primary, not secondary)I15.0 — Renovascular hypertension (use when renal artery stenosis is identified)I15.1 — Hypertension secondary to renal disorders (use when renal cause is identified)I15.2 — Hypertension secondary to endocrine disorders (use when endocrine cause is identified)I15.8 — Other secondary hypertension (use when a specific non-standard cause is identified)

Code Hierarchy

└I15Secondary hypertension └I15.9Secondary hypertension, unspecified

└I15.9Secondary hypertension, unspecified