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ICD-10 Coding for Microalbuminuria(R80.0, E11.21)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Microalbuminuria. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

MicroalbuminAlbuminuria

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Microalbuminuria

Abnormal findings on examination of urine, without diagnosis

Includes codes for proteinuria and microalbuminuria without specific underlying conditions.

E11-E14Primary Range

Diabetes mellitus

Includes codes for diabetes with renal complications, such as microalbuminuria.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Includes codes for CKD stages, often used in conjunction with diabetes codes.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R80.0Isolated proteinuria with specified causeUse when microalbuminuria is present without diabetes or CKD.
  • ACR 30-299 mg/g on two separate occasions
E11.21Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic nephropathyUse when microalbuminuria is present in a patient with diabetes.
  • Diabetes diagnosis
  • ACR ≥30 mg/g
  • CKD stage documentation

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for microalbuminuria

Essential facts and insights about Microalbuminuria

The ICD-10 code for microalbuminuria is R80.0 when no diabetes is present. Use E11.21 for diabetic nephropathy.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for microalbuminuria

Isolated proteinuria with specified cause
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • ACR 30-299 mg/g without diabetes

Applicable To

  • Microalbuminuria without diabetes

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • ACR 30-299 mg/g on two separate occasions

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if diabetes is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure no diabetes is documented when using this code.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Chronic kidney disease, stage 3

N18.3
Use to specify CKD stage in diabetic nephropathy.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic nephropathy

E11.21
Use when diabetes is present with microalbuminuria.

Hypertensive chronic kidney disease without heart failure

I12.9
Use when hypertension is the primary cause of nephropathy.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Microalbuminuria to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R80.0.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis of nephropathy cause., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Review diabetes status before coding.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure diabetes is documented and use E11.21 for diabetic nephropathy.

Impact

Failure to sequence diabetes before CKD codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on ICD-10 sequencing rules.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Microalbuminuria, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Microalbuminuria

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Microalbuminuria. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Diabetic patient with microalbuminuria

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • ACR values
  • CKD stage
  • Diabetes type

Example Documentation

Patient with Type 2 diabetes and ACR 85 mg/g, CKD Stage 3a. Plan: Start ACE inhibitor.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Proteinuria noted.
Good Documentation Example
Persistent microalbuminuria with ACR 85 mg/g, consistent with diabetic nephropathy.
Explanation
Good example includes specific ACR value and links to diabetes.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Microalbuminuria? Ask your questions below.

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