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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR77.0

R77.0

Abnormality of albumin

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R77.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of abnormality of albumin.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Abnormality of albumin refers to deviations from the normal levels of albumin in the blood, which can indicate various underlying health issues. Albumin is a protein produced by the liver, and its primary function is to maintain oncotic pressure and transport substances in the blood. Abnormal levels can manifest as hypoalbuminemia (low albumin) or hyperalbuminemia (high albumin). Hypoalbuminemia is often associated with liver disease, nephrotic syndrome, malnutrition, and inflammatory conditions, while hyperalbuminemia may occur due to dehydration or high protein intake. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms related to the underlying condition, such as edema, ascites, or signs of liver dysfunction. Laboratory findings typically include serum albumin levels measured through blood tests, and abnormal results warrant further investigation to determine the etiology. Understanding the clinical context and potential causes is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying conditions leading to abnormal albumin levels
  • Need for correlation with clinical findings and other lab results
  • Potential for misinterpretation of lab values without context
  • Documentation requirements for underlying causes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying cause of albumin abnormality
  • Failure to link abnormal lab results to clinical symptoms
  • Misclassification of hypoalbuminemia vs. hyperalbuminemia
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for abnormal findings

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history and physical examination notes, including symptoms and relevant lab results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with edema, ascites, or signs of liver disease.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the underlying cause of albumin abnormality is clearly documented to support the diagnosis.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care notes must include immediate lab results and any interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute liver failure or severe dehydration presenting with abnormal albumin levels.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and documentation of the patient's clinical status are crucial for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R77.0 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that R77
  • 0 is used only when the abnormality of albumin is not classified elsewhere
  • Document the clinical context and any relevant lab findings to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R77.0 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

84155CPT Code

Albumin, serum

Clinical Scenario

Used when testing for albumin levels in patients with suspected liver or kidney disease.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the test and any relevant clinical findings.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the test is ordered based on clinical indications.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of albumin abnormalities, improving the ability to capture the nuances of patient presentations and underlying conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of albumin abnormalities, improving the ability to capture the nuances of patient presentations and underlying conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of albumin abnormalities, improving the ability to capture the nuances of patient presentations and underlying conditions.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of abnormal albumin levels?

Common causes include liver disease, nephrotic syndrome, malnutrition, dehydration, and inflammatory conditions. Each cause may present with different clinical symptoms and lab findings.