Symptoms and signs involving the nervous and musculoskeletal systems
ICD-10 Codes (80)
R26R26.0R26.1R26.2R26.8R26.81R26.89R26.9R27R27.0R27.8R27.9R29R29.0R29.1R29.2R29.3R29.4R29.5R29.6R29.7R29.70R29.700R29.701R29.702R29.703R29.704R29.705R29.706R29.707R29.708R29.709R29.71R29.710R29.711R29.712R29.713R29.714R29.715R29.716R29.717R29.718R29.719R29.72R29.720R29.721R29.722R29.723R29.724R29.725R29.726R29.727R29.728R29.729R29.73R29.730R29.731R29.732R29.733R29.734R29.735R29.736R29.737R29.738R29.739R29.74R29.740R29.741R29.742R29.8R29.81R29.810R29.818R29.89R29.890R29.891R29.898R29.9R29.90R29.91Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
No significant changes for FY 2026
This range maintains stability with current coding practices
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for R25-R29 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The ICD-10 code range R25-R29 pertains to symptoms and signs involving the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. These codes are used to document various conditions such as abnormal involuntary movements, abnormality of gait and mobility, and other symptoms and signs concerning body position and mobility. They provide a way for healthcare providers to record patient symptoms that do not have a confirmed diagnosis.
Key Usage Points:
- •R25 codes are used for abnormal involuntary movements, such as tremors or tics.
- •R26 codes document abnormalities in gait and mobility, like limping or staggering.
- •R27 codes cover other lack of coordination, such as ataxia or balance issues.
- •R28 codes are used for other symptoms and signs concerning body position and mobility.
- •R29 codes are for other general symptoms and signs involving the nervous and musculoskeletal systems.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient presents with tremors but no confirmed diagnosis.
- ✓When a patient has difficulty walking or moving, but the underlying cause is unknown.
- ✓When a patient shows signs of lack of coordination.
- ✓When a patient has symptoms concerning body position and mobility, but no specific diagnosis.
- ✓When a patient has other general symptoms involving the nervous and musculoskeletal systems.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When a specific diagnosis has been confirmed.
- ✗When the symptoms are related to a different body system.
- ✗When the symptoms are normal or expected, such as tremors due to old age.
- ✗When the symptoms are temporary or transient.
- ✗When the symptoms are intentionally produced or feigned.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the latest ICD-10 guidelines and updates.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for R25-R29 codes should be thorough and specific, detailing the patient's symptoms, their severity, duration, and any observed patterns. The provider's clinical judgment regarding the symptom's impact on the patient's health status should also be included.
Clinical Information:
- •Detailed description of the symptom
- •Duration and frequency of the symptom
- •Severity of the symptom
- •Impact of the symptom on the patient's daily life
- •Provider's clinical judgment
Supporting Evidence:
- •Patient's medical history
- •Physical examination findings
- •Results of any relevant diagnostic tests
- •Patient's self-reported information
Good Documentation Example:
Patient presents with severe, persistent tremors in both hands for the past 6 months. Tremors are worsening and now affecting patient's ability to perform daily tasks. Clinical judgment suggests a neurological disorder.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has tremors.
Common Documentation Errors:
- âš Not providing enough detail about the symptom
- âš Not documenting the duration or frequency of the symptom
- âš Not including the provider's clinical judgment
- âš Not documenting the impact of the symptom on the patient's daily life
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
The complexity of coding within the R25-R29 range is considered medium. While the codes themselves are straightforward, determining the most accurate code can be challenging due to the variety of symptoms and signs each code represents. Additionally, coders must be aware of when not to use these codes and understand the specific conditions that are excluded from this range.
Key Factors:
- â–¸Determining the most accurate code within the range
- â–¸Understanding the specific symptoms and signs each code represents
- â–¸Knowing when not to use these codes
- â–¸Keeping up with changes and updates to the code range
- â–¸Navigating code exclusions
Specialty Focus
The R25-R29 range is most commonly used in neurology, orthopedics, and general practice. These specialties often encounter patients with symptoms involving the nervous and musculoskeletal systems.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient presents with a new, unexplained limp.
- • A patient has been experiencing tremors in their hands for several weeks.
- • A patient reports feeling unsteady and has fallen several times.
- • A patient has difficulty moving their arms in a coordinated manner.
- • A patient reports general muscle weakness without a known cause.
Resources & References
Numerous resources are available for coders working with the R25-R29 range, including the official ICD-10-CM guidelines, clinical reference materials, and educational resources.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Clinical References:
- American Academy of Neurology
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Educational Materials:
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can R25-R29 codes be used if a specific diagnosis has been confirmed?
No, if a specific diagnosis has been confirmed, the specific code for that diagnosis should be used instead of a symptom code from the R25-R29 range.