Primary Care Coding Alert

401.x will become I10.

ICD-10 implementation in 2013 is coming fast, so take steps now to prepare. Each month, Family Practice Coding Alert will highlight a common diagnosis code and how it might change with ICD-10. If you'd like to learn more about a specific diagnosis, email editor Leigh DeLozier.

• Current ICD-9 code: 401.x (Essential hypertension)
• ICD-10 code: I10 (Essential [primary] hypertension)

The 2011 edition of ICD-9 includes three codes in the 401.x diagnosis family: 401.0 (Essential hypertension; malignant),401.1 (... benign), and 401.9 (... unspecified). ICD-10 will streamline your coding by only offering one option: I10.