Elevated blood-pressure reading, w/o diagnosis of htn

This code signifies a finding of elevated blood pressure during an encounter, without a definitive diagnosis of hypertension being established. It indicates that the patient's blood pressure reading is higher than normal, but further evaluation is needed to determine if it represents sustained hypertension.

Use this code when a patient presents with an elevated blood pressure reading (e.g., 130-139/80-89 mmHg) but the provider has not yet diagnosed hypertension. This is appropriate for initial screenings, follow-up visits where hypertension is suspected but not confirmed, or when the elevated reading is transient. Documentation should clearly state "elevated blood pressure" without a co-occurring diagnosis of essential or secondary hypertension.

• Do not use this code if a definitive diagnosis of hypertension (e.g., I10, I11.-, I12.-, I13.-, I15.-) has already been established.
• This code is often used as a primary diagnosis when the reason for the encounter is to evaluate the elevated blood pressure.
• Ensure documentation specifies "elevated blood pressure" or "high blood pressure reading" without a formal diagnosis of hypertension.