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Question: My cardiologist documented that the patient has orthostatic hypotension. What’s the correct ICD-10-CM code to report?

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Answer: If the cardiologist has clearly documented orthostatic hypotension, you should report I95.1 (Orthostatic hypotension).

What it means: Orthostatic hypotension, also known as “postural hypotension,” is a condition where the patient’s blood pressure drops significantly when moving from sitting or lying down to standing. This change in position can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting — and it is especially common in older adults or patients with certain heart conditions.

Coding tip for beginners: Before assigning I95.1, always verify that:

• The cardiologist has specifically documented “orthostatic hypotension.”
• The medical record includes supporting vital signs showing the blood pressure drop upon standing.

Do not code I95.1 if the documentation only mentions general low blood pressure or dizziness without a clear connection to a change in position. Coders should never assume — always code based on precise clinical language.

Understanding terms like “orthostatic” and how they relate to cardiovascular function is key to accurate cardiology coding as you build your skills.

Suzanne Burmeister, BA, MPhil, Medical Writer and Editor