ICD-10 Code E26.81 – Bartter’s syndrome (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E26.81 – Bartter’s syndrome
What it is
Bartter’s syndrome is a rare inherited salt-wasting disorder that affects kidney tubular function. It causes the kidneys to lose too much sodium, leading to volume depletion and secondary hormonal changes.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings include polyuria, polydipsia, dehydration, muscle weakness, and growth delay in children. Patients may also have metabolic alkalosis and low potassium documented.
When to use this code
Use E26.81 when the provider documents Bartter’s syndrome as the confirmed diagnosis. Code it for congenital or inherited salt-wasting tubulopathy cases described in the record. If the chart only notes electrolyte imbalance without the syndrome, check documentation before assigning this code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonspecific hypokalemia, dehydration, or polyuria without a documented diagnosis of Bartter’s syndrome. Check documentation if the record instead supports another renal tubular disorder.
Coding tip
Code the syndrome only when the provider clearly names Bartter’s syndrome, and capture any documented associated manifestations separately when supported.