Unspecified essential hypertension

This code signifies a diagnosis of high blood pressure without a specified underlying cause, where the physician has not documented whether it is benign, malignant, or accelerated. It indicates a primary form of hypertension where no secondary etiology has been identified or documented.

Use this code when the medical record clearly states "essential hypertension" or "primary hypertension" without further specificity regarding its nature (e.g., benign, malignant). It is appropriate when the provider has not documented the severity or specific type of essential hypertension.

• Avoid using this code if the documentation specifies benign essential hypertension (401.1) or malignant essential hypertension (401.0).
• Always query the provider for greater specificity if the documentation only states "hypertension" to determine if it's essential and its type.
• This code should be used as a last resort when no further information can be obtained from the provider regarding the type of essential hypertension.