When coding for secondary hypertension, what must be included?

When coding for secondary hypertension, it is essential to include both the underlying condition code and the hypertension code. Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure that is caused by another medical condition, such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders, or certain medications. In coding, accurately capturing the cause of the secondary hypertension is crucial, which is why both codes are needed.

The underlying condition indicates what is causing the hypertension, while the hypertension code specifies the type of high blood pressure the patient has. This dual coding not only provides a complete picture of the patient's health status but also ensures that healthcare providers receive appropriate reimbursement for the complexity of care required due to the secondary nature of the hypertension. Additionally, accurate coding supports better patient care and treatment plans.

Only including the hypertension code or just the underlying condition code would not convey the full clinical picture, while coding the patient’s symptoms is not necessary for this scenario. Therefore, including both the underlying condition code and the hypertension code is necessary for proper medical coding practices related to secondary hypertension.