Hypoalbuminemia ICD-10-CM Codes | 2023

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Hypoalbuminemia

Hypoalbuminemia is a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of albumin in one’s blood. 

In medical coding, it’s essential that one accurately document and code this condition for record-keeping, billing, and statistical purposes. 

The most accurate ICD-10 code for hypoalbuminemia is E88.09: Other hypoalbuminemia. This code is often used to specify a medical diagnosis of disorders involving plasma-protein metabolism that’s not elsewhere classified. 

However, the other ICD-10 codes that may be related to hypoalbuminemia are E46: Unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition because malnutrition can lead to hypoalbuminemia and R77.-0: Abnormality of albumin. After all, hypoalbuminemia can be considered an albumin abnormality. 

Which Hypoalbuminemia ICD codes are Billable: 

Here’s a list of the Hypoalbuminemia ICD codes that are billable:

• E88.09: Other hypoalbuminemia
• E46: Unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition
• R77.0: Abnormality of albumin

Clinical Information

• Hypoalbuminemia is a condition wherein one’s body doesn’t produce enough albumin, a protein responsible for retaining fluid in one’s blood vessels and transporting vitamins, enzymes, and hormones in one’s body. 
• Those with hypoalbuminemia often experience fatigue, jaundice, weak muscle tone, swelling in feet/legs, frequent urination, dark-colored urine, loss of appetite, and difficulty breathing. 
• Causes of hypoalbuminemia are impaired synthesis in the liver, increased utilization of tissue, issues with distribution, and conditions related to one’s kidney or heart. 
• To diagnose hypoalbuminemia, a blood sample will be collected from the patient and sent to a laboratory for analysis. If the patient’s level is less than 3.5 g/dL, it indicates hypoalbuminemia. 
• Treatment includes undergoing dialysis, medications, antibiotics, or medicine to manage or treat injuries and conditions. The patient may also be asked to have a more well-balanced diet. 

Synonyms Include:

• Albumin deficiency
• Low serum albumin levels
• Hypoproteinemia
• Hypoalbuminemic
• Hypoalbuminemic states