Wiki Hypertension and the use of additional codes

[01089886]

If the doctor only documents hypertension I10 and the documentation states the patient is a non smoker. The wording in red indicates an additional code is required. However, I feel the wording "if applicable" was omitted from the statement. Not all patient's that have HTN are smokers and unless the doctor links the other conditions with the hypertension, you do not have an additional code to use. Am I missing something? Please advise.

Thanks,

 

[SDAlward]

Use additional code is optional, if the patient smokes or has a history of smoking assign the appropriate Z code. If the patient has hypertension and does not smoke, you don't need to assign another code