Understanding low albumin diagnosis, causes, and treatment? Find information on hypoalbuminemia, serum albumin levels, clinical significance, and ICD-10 codes for accurate medical coding and documentation. Learn about laboratory tests, nutritional implications, and related conditions like edema and liver disease. Explore resources for healthcare professionals on diagnosing and managing low albumin effectively.
Also known as
Disorders of plasma protein metab
Includes hypoalbuminemia, or low albumin levels in the blood.
Abnormal findings on examination
May include abnormal blood chemistry findings like low albumin.
Diseases of liver
Liver disease can cause hypoalbuminemia as the liver produces albumin.
Diseases of the genitourinary system
Kidney disease can lead to protein loss and thus low albumin.
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Low Albumin |
| Malnutrition |
| Nephrotic Syndrome |
Coding unspecified hypoalbuminemia (R70.8) without documenting the cause can lead to claim denials and lower reimbursement.
Failing to code underlying conditions causing low albumin (e.g., malnutrition, liver disease) impacts risk adjustment and quality reporting.
Lack of clear clinical documentation supporting low albumin levels can trigger audit scrutiny and potential DRG downgrades.
Patient presents with signs and symptoms suggestive of hypoalbuminemia. Presenting complaints may include edema, fatigue, or ascites. Physical examination findings may reveal peripheral edema, muscle wasting, or pulmonary edema. Laboratory results confirm low serum albumin levels below 3.5 gdL. Differential diagnosis includes malnutrition, liver disease such as cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, protein-losing enteropathy, and inflammatory conditions. Further investigations may include liver function tests LFTs, urinalysis, and stool studies to determine underlying etiology. Assessment includes evaluation of nutritional status, assessment of fluid balance, and evaluation of comorbid conditions. Plan includes addressing the underlying cause of hypoalbuminemia. Nutritional support may be initiated, including a high-protein diet or nutritional supplements. If liver disease is suspected, further hepatology consultation may be warranted. For nephrotic syndrome, management focuses on controlling proteinuria and managing edema. Treatment for protein-losing enteropathy depends on the underlying cause and may involve medication or surgery. Monitoring of albumin levels, electrolyte levels, and overall clinical status is essential. Patient education regarding dietary modifications and medication adherence is crucial. ICD-10 code E88.9 for unspecified metabolic disorder related to protein and amino acid metabolism is considered, along with other applicable codes depending on the etiology. CPT codes for laboratory tests, diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic interventions will be documented appropriately for billing purposes. Follow-up is scheduled to reassess albumin levels and overall clinical response to therapy.