ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for crisis hypertension
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Hypertension, hypertensive (accelerated) (benign) (essential) (idiopathic) (malignant) (systemic) › crisis”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding crisis hypertension
The ICD-10-CM code for crisis hypertension is I16.9 (Hypertensive crisis, unspecified).
Within I16, choose I16.9 (unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: urgency (I16.0) and emergency (I16.1).
As a secondary diagnosis it is a CC (complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the "with CC" MS-DRG of its family, unless the principal diagnosis excludes it.
In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 304 (Hypertension with MCC, relative weight 1.2011) and DRG 305 (Hypertension without MCC, relative weight 0.7581), 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 crisis hypertension ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for crisis hypertension?
- I16.9 — Hypertensive crisis, unspecified.
Is I16.9 billable?
- Yes. I16.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can I16.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict I16.9 as a principal diagnosis.
Is I16.9 a CC or MCC?
- I16.9 is a CC (complication or comorbidity) under MS-DRG v44.0, unless excluded by the principal diagnosis.