Hypoalbuminemia ICD-10-CM Codes | 2023

Learn more about the ICD-10 codes used for Hypoalbuminemia, their billability, synonyms, and FAQ answers. Feel free to use our guide to code more accurately. 

By Priya Singh on Feb 29, 2024.

Fact Checked by Nate Lacson.

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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
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Commonly asked questions

Are Hypoalbuminemia diagnosis codes billable?

Yes, the three ICD-10 diagnosis codes for hypoalbuminemia mentioned in this guide are billable. 

What are the common treatments for Hypoalbuminemia?

Common treatments for hypoalbuminemia are medication to treat or manage the disease causing the low albumin levels and a well-balanced diet. 

What does a diagnosis code for Hypoalbuminemia mean?

It means the patient has hypoalbuminemia based on the referring physician’s observation of symptoms and level test results lower than 3.5 g/dL. 

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