In simple words: This code records that your most recent blood pressure reading was 140/90 or less. This helps track and measure the effectiveness of blood pressure management.

The patient’s most recent blood pressure reading is 140/90 mm Hg or less. Blood pressure is the pressure of blood pushing against artery walls. It measures the force that the heart uses to pump blood around the body. Blood pressure is measured in units of pressure called millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Providers may consider a reading under 120/80 mm Hg to be normal blood pressure, so they may consider 140/90 mm Hg or more to be high blood pressure. This is a tracking code for performance measurement.

Example 1: A patient with a history of hypertension comes in for a routine check-up. Their blood pressure is measured as 130/85 mm Hg. The code G9788 is used to document this controlled blood pressure., A patient newly diagnosed with hypertension starts medication. At a follow-up appointment, their blood pressure is recorded as 135/88 mm Hg. The code G9788 reflects the improvement in their blood pressure since starting treatment., A patient with pre-hypertension participates in a lifestyle modification program. At a subsequent visit, their blood pressure is 138/89 mm Hg. G9788 is used to document their blood pressure reading within the target range.

Documentation should include the date and time of the blood pressure reading, the specific reading (e.g., 130/85 mm Hg), and the method used to obtain the reading (e.g., manual sphygmomanometer, automated device).

** G codes are often used for quality reporting and may be associated with specific payment incentives or penalties under programs like the Medicare Quality Payment Program (QPP).