Microalbuminuria ICD-10-CM Codes

Which microalbuminuria ICD codes are billable? 

The codes mentioned above are all billable.

Clinical information

• Microalbuminuria involves slightly elevated albumin levels in urine, often indicating early kidney dysfunction, especially in conditions like diabetes.
• Albumin is a blood protein. Healthy kidneys filter blood and remove waste, allowing only a small amount of protein to pass into urine. Kidney damage can lead to increased protein passing into the urine.
• Terms like albuminuria or proteinuria refer to elevated albumin or protein in urine. Microalbuminuria indicates a relatively small increase.
• Even slight microalbuminuria suggests kidney damage, kidney complications, and early (diabetic) chronic kidney disease. It's diagnosed alongside other tests, estimating disease progression and assessing cardiovascular risk.
• Causes include kidney damage from glomerulonephritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and pre-eclampsia.
• Factors such as exercise, fever, or dehydration can temporarily increase urine protein levels.
• Microalbuminuria typically doesn't cause symptoms. Increased levels might result in foamy urine, puffiness, or swollen extremities.
• Regular tests are crucial, especially for those at risk. Diabetes patients often require annual microalbuminuria tests.
• Diagnosis involves a test for the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR). It measures albumin against creatinine, a waste product of muscle metabolism. Repeated tests confirm persistent elevation.
• Controlling blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol can help manage microalbuminuria and kidney health. Lifestyle adjustments and medical guidance play a vital role.

Synonyms include

• Low-level proteinuria
• Early kidney disease
• Incipient nephropathy
• Subclinical nephropathy
• Subnephrotic proteinuria