What is the ICD-10 code for low albumin?

The ICD-10 code for low albumin due to metabolic disorders is E88.09. Use R77.0 for isolated lab findings without a known cause.

How do you document hypoalbuminemia?

Document hypoalbuminemia by including specific albumin levels, etiology, and clinical symptoms. For example, 'Albumin 2.4 g/dL due to liver disease.'

ICD-10 Coding for Low Albumin(E88.09, E88.0, R77.0)

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Learn about the ICD-10 coding for low albumin, including E88.09 and R77.0, documentation requirements, and common coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

HypoalbuminemiaLow Serum Albumin

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Low Albumin

E00-E89Primary Range

Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases

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Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
E88.09	Other disorders of plasma-protein metabolism, not elsewhere classified	Use when hypoalbuminemia is integral to a metabolic disorder.	Albumin <3.5 g/dL Underlying condition such as liver or kidney disease
R77.0	Abnormality of albumin	Use for isolated lab findings of low albumin without a known cause.	Albumin ≤2.9 g/dL No underlying metabolic disorder
E46	Unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition	Use when hypoalbuminemia is due to malnutrition.	Albumin <3.4 g/dL Weight loss or BMI <18.5

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Other disorders of plasma-protein metabolism, not elsewhere classified

E88.09Billable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Abnormality of albuminR77.0

Other disorders of plasma-protein metabolism, not elsewhere classifiedE88.09

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Low Albumin.

Omitting albumin levels in documentation

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical assessment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation

Always document specific albumin levels.

Using R77.0 when a metabolic disorder is present

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation

Use E88.09 if hypoalbuminemia is due to a metabolic disorder.

Incorrect code usage

Impact

Using R77.0 when a metabolic disorder is present.

Mitigation

Ensure thorough documentation of underlying conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with E88.09.

Primary Code

E88.09

Other disorders of plasma-protein metabolism, not elsewhere classified

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ICD-10 Coding for Low Albumin(E88.09, E88.0, R77.0)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for low albumin?

How do you document hypoalbuminemia?

Related condition guides