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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesE72.29

E72.29

Billable

Other disorders of urea cycle metabolism

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

Code Description

ICD-10 E72.29 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other disorders of urea cycle metabolism.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Disorders of urea cycle metabolism encompass a range of genetic metabolic conditions characterized by deficiencies in enzymes responsible for the conversion of ammonia to urea. These disorders lead to the accumulation of ammonia in the bloodstream, which can result in severe neurological impairment and other systemic complications. The urea cycle involves several key enzymes, including carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I, ornithine transcarbamylase, argininosuccinate synthetase, and argininosuccinate lyase. Deficiencies in these enzymes can lead to hyperammonemia, presenting with symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, seizures, and in severe cases, coma. While some urea cycle disorders are well-defined, E72.29 captures other less common or atypical presentations that do not fit neatly into established categories. Diagnosis typically involves biochemical testing to measure enzyme activity and genetic testing to identify mutations. Management strategies may include dietary modifications, ammonia scavengers, and in some cases, liver transplantation. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent irreversible neurological damage.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of symptoms
  • Need for biochemical and genetic testing for accurate diagnosis
  • Differentiation from other metabolic disorders
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of enzyme testing results
  • Failure to specify the type of urea cycle disorder
  • Misclassification of the disorder due to overlapping symptoms
  • Lack of genetic testing documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed family history, genetic testing results, and enzyme activity levels.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained hyperammonemia or neurological symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Ensure genetic counseling documentation is included for familial implications.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Growth and developmental assessments, dietary history, and metabolic workup results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants or children with acute metabolic crises or developmental delays.

Billing Considerations

Document any acute interventions and long-term management plans.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use E72.29 When
  • Follow ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding metabolic disorders, ensuring specificity in documentation
  • Include relevant laboratory results and clinical findings that support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use E72.29 When
  • Exclude codes that pertain to specific enzyme deficiencies unless they are confirmed

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

81200CPT Code

Genetic testing for urea cycle disorders

Clinical Scenario

Used when genetic testing is performed to confirm a diagnosis of a urea cycle disorder.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing, results, and any follow-up actions.

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, including urea cycle disorders. This specificity aids in better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation for treatment.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metabolic disorders, including urea cycle disorders. This specificity aids in better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation for treatment.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metabolic disorders, including urea cycle disorders. This specificity aids in better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation for treatment.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    National Urea Cycle Disorders Foundation

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    National Urea Cycle Disorders Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of urea cycle disorders?

Common symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, seizures, and in severe cases, coma due to elevated ammonia levels.

How are urea cycle disorders diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves biochemical tests to measure ammonia levels and enzyme activity, along with genetic testing to identify specific mutations.