CPT Code for Urine Microalbumin/Creatinine Ratio
The CPT code for urine microalbumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) is 82043 for microalbumin (quantitative) and 82570 for creatinine, or more commonly, CPT code 82043 when ordered as a ratio.
Important Context
The provided evidence does not contain specific CPT coding information, as the guidelines focus on clinical indications and laboratory methodology rather than billing codes. However, I can provide the standard CPT codes used in clinical practice:
Primary CPT Codes for uACR Testing:
- 82043 - Albumin; urine, microalbumin, quantitative
- 82570 - Creatinine; other source (urine)
- 82043 - Often used when the ratio is calculated and reported together
Alternative Coding:
Some laboratories may use:
- 82042 - Albumin; urine or other source, quantitative, each specimen (for higher levels of albuminuria)
Clinical Relevance from Guidelines
The 2023 ADA/Diabetes Care guidelines 112 emphasize that:
- Annual uACR testing should be performed using morning spot urine samples in adults with diabetes
- Testing frequency increases to every 6 months when eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m² and/or albuminuria >30 mg/g creatinine
- The test is critical for staging kidney disease and cardiovascular risk assessment
Key Clinical Thresholds:
- Normal to mildly increased: <30 mg/g creatinine
- Moderately increased albuminuria (formerly microalbuminuria): 30-299 mg/g creatinine
- Severely increased albuminuria: ≥300 mg/g creatinine
Practical Billing Considerations:
When ordering this test, ensure documentation includes:
- Diagnosis codes for diabetes (E11.x series) and/or CKD (N18.x series)
- Clinical indication (screening, monitoring, or disease staging)
- Frequency justification if ordering more frequently than annually
The uACR test is cost-effective and widely reimbursed when appropriately documented for patients with diabetes, hypertension, or established kidney disease 3.