Orthostatic hypotension

This code represents a form of low blood pressure that occurs upon standing up from a sitting or lying position. It is characterized by a significant drop in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or syncope. This condition results from the body's inability to adequately compensate for gravitational changes in blood flow.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of orthostatic hypotension, often identified through tilt-table testing or serial blood pressure measurements in different positions. It is appropriate for patients experiencing symptoms directly attributable to this postural blood pressure drop. Documentation should specify the diagnosis and not just symptoms like dizziness.

• Differentiate from other forms of hypotension; this code specifically refers to the postural drop.
• Do not code symptoms like dizziness or syncope separately if they are integral to the orthostatic hypotension diagnosis.
• Consider sequencing if orthostatic hypotension is secondary to another underlying condition (e.g., dehydration, medication side effect, neurological disorder).