Pre-existing essential htn comp pregnancy, unsp trimester

This code signifies a patient with a pre-existing diagnosis of essential hypertension who is now pregnant. The hypertension was present prior to conception or diagnosed before 20 weeks gestation, and its management is complicated by the pregnancy. This code does not specify the trimester of pregnancy.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a patient has a history of essential hypertension and is currently pregnant, with the hypertension impacting the pregnancy. This is appropriate when the specific trimester is not documented or is unknown. Supporting documentation includes a confirmed diagnosis of essential hypertension prior to pregnancy or early in gestation, and current pregnancy status.

• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when the hypertension is the main reason for the encounter.
• Do not use this code for gestational hypertension (hypertension that develops after 20 weeks of gestation in a previously normotensive woman).
• Ensure documentation specifies "pre-existing" or "chronic" hypertension to differentiate from gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia.