I16.1 — Hypertensive emergency

I16.1

ICD-10 Chapter 9: Circulatory System — illustrative image — Chapter 9: Diseases of the circulatory system (I00–I99) — illustrative image

What this code means

Hypertensive emergency is a severe rise in blood pressure that is damaging organs such as the brain, heart or kidneys.

Also called: hypertensive emergency, malignant hypertension.

When this code is used

Used for hypertensive emergency.

Where it sits in ICD-10-CM

Code I16.1 belongs to Chapter 9: Diseases of the circulatory system, which covers codes I00–I99 in the FY2027 ICD-10-CM tabular list. The official description above is copied verbatim from the CDC/NCHS FY2027 code file.

Learn more about this condition

Condition guide: Hypertension

Related symptoms

Watch: related videos

▶ WatchHypertensive emergency ▶ WatchHypertensive emergency treatment ▶ WatchHypertensive emergency treatment

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10-CM code I16.1?

I16.1 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for “Hypertensive emergency”. Hypertensive emergency is a severe rise in blood pressure that is damaging organs such as the brain, heart or kidneys.

When is code I16.1 used?

Used for hypertensive emergency. It belongs to Chapter 9 of ICD-10-CM (Diseases of the circulatory system).

This guide explains ICD-10-CM codes in plain language for patients, students and other readers. It is educational information only — not coding, billing or medical advice. The code recorded for any real encounter is assigned from the full clinical documentation by the treating team and qualified coders, and only they can decide which code fits a specific case.