Which statement is TRUE regarding codes for hypertension and heart disease in ICD-10-CM?

The statement that hypertension and heart disease have an assumed causal relationship is accurate. In the context of ICD-10-CM coding guidelines, hypertension is often found to lead to or exacerbate heart disease. As a result, when documenting these conditions, there is an acknowledgment of their potential correlation, meaning that when a patient has both hypertension and heart disease, it is likely that the hypertension may have contributed to the development or worsening of the heart disease. This alignment is crucial for accurate coding and for conveying the severity and complexity of a patient's health condition.

This understanding helps in ensuring thorough documentation and appropriate coding practices that reflect the patient's overall health status and the interconnections between various medical conditions. It highlights the importance of recognizing and coding related health issues appropriately in order to provide better care and facilitate accurate health data reporting.