ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for borderline hypertension
Elevated blood-pressure reading, without diagnosis of hypertension
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Hypertension, hypertensive (accelerated) (benign) (essential) (idiopathic) (malignant) (systemic) › borderline”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding borderline hypertension
The ICD-10-CM code for borderline hypertension is R03.0 (Elevated blood-pressure reading, without diagnosis of hypertension).
Within R03, choose R03.0 (Elevated blood-pressure reading, without diagnosis of hypertension) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: nonspecific low blood-pressure reading (R03.1).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 314 (Other Circulatory System Diagnoses with MCC, relative weight 2.0873), DRG 315 (Other Circulatory System Diagnoses with CC, relative weight 0.9508) and DRG 316 (Other Circulatory System Diagnoses without CC/MCC, relative weight 0.6677), in MDC 05 (Diseases and Disorders of the Circulatory System), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.
Common questions about borderline hypertension ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for borderline hypertension?
- R03.0 — Elevated blood-pressure reading, without diagnosis of hypertension.
Is R03.0 billable?
- Yes. R03.0 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can R03.0 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- It can, but When it is the principal diagnosis, Medicare considers it a questionable reason for an inpatient admission, so claims may be reviewed.
Is R03.0 a CC or MCC?
- No. R03.0 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.