What does ICD-10 code I15 mean?

ICD-10 code I15 is the standardized code used for secondary hypertension in medical records and coding systems.

When is ICD-10 code I15 used?

Doctors, hospitals, and insurers may use ICD-10 code I15 when recording secondary hypertension in a standardized format. This entry may also act as a broader category that points toward more specific child codes.

Does ICD-10 code I15 confirm a diagnosis?

No. A code helps standardize documentation and claims, but it should not be read as a substitute for a clinician's full assessment.

ICD10

ICD-10 Code I15: Secondary hypertension

Name: ICD-10 Code I15: Secondary hypertension
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T06:12:40.670Z

I15 is an ICD-10 diagnosis entry used to group records related to Secondary hypertension. You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen. ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the circulatory system (I00-I99).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the circulatory system (I00-I99).

When is it used?

May be used when a clinician documents secondary hypertension in a patient's medical record.
May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.

What it does not mean

A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.

Code hierarchy

chapter

9Diseases of the circulatory system (I00-I99)

block

I10-I1AHypertensive diseases

currentI10-I1A

Official coding notes

Excludes1 (do not code together)

postprocedural hypertension (I97.3)

Excludes2 (may code together if documented)

secondary hypertension involving vessels of brain (I60-I69)
secondary hypertension involving vessels of eye (H35.0-)

Code also

underlying condition

Where you may see this code

You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.

Related specialists

CardiologistGeneral Physician

Sibling codes

I10Essential (primary) hypertensionbillable I11Hypertensive heart disease I12Hypertensive chronic kidney disease I13Hypertensive heart and chronic kidney disease I16Hypertensive crisis I1AOther hypertension

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy code aligns to an official FY 2026 category. Frontend should resolve to the official category page and surface the billable child codes.

Legacy codes

I15

Replacement codes

I15.0 — Renovascular hypertensionI15.1 — Hypertension secondary to other renal disordersI15.2 — Hypertension secondary to endocrine disordersI15.8 — Other secondary hypertensionI15.9 — Secondary hypertension, unspecified

Common synonyms

Secondary hypertension

Frequently asked questions

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.