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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesE72.21

E72.21

Billable

Argininemia

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 E72.21 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of argininemia.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Argininemia is a rare genetic metabolic disorder characterized by a deficiency of the enzyme arginase, which is crucial for the urea cycle. This enzyme deficiency leads to the accumulation of arginine and other metabolites in the blood, resulting in hyperargininemia. Clinically, patients may present with a range of symptoms including developmental delays, intellectual disability, spasticity, seizures, and other neurological manifestations. The condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning that both copies of the gene must be mutated for the disorder to manifest. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through biochemical testing that reveals elevated levels of arginine in the plasma and may also involve genetic testing to identify mutations in the ARG1 gene. Management of argininemia focuses on dietary restrictions to limit arginine intake and may include the use of medications to help manage symptoms. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to improving outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of metabolic pathways and enzyme functions.
  • Differentiation from other urea cycle disorders.
  • Need for precise biochemical testing results.
  • Potential for co-morbid conditions that complicate coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of biochemical test results.
  • Failure to document genetic testing.
  • Misclassification with other metabolic disorders.
  • Lack of clarity in clinical notes regarding symptoms.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed family history and genetic testing results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with developmental delays and metabolic abnormalities.

Billing Considerations

Ensure genetic counseling notes are included in documentation.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Growth and developmental assessments, neurological evaluations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants or children with unexplained neurological symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Document any dietary interventions and their effects on the patient.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use E72.21 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, E72
  • 21 should be used when there is a confirmed diagnosis of argininemia with supporting biochemical and genetic evidence

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use E72.21 When
  • Exclusion criteria include other urea cycle disorders that may present similarly

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

81200CPT Code

Genetic testing for arginase deficiency

Clinical Scenario

Used when confirming a diagnosis of argininemia.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and results.

Specialty Considerations

Genetic specialists should ensure comprehensive family history is included.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metabolic disorders like argininemia, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metabolic disorders like argininemia, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary symptoms of argininemia?

Primary symptoms include developmental delays, intellectual disability, seizures, and spasticity. Symptoms can vary widely among individuals.