ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR26.8

R26.8

Other abnormalities of gait and mobility

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R26.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other abnormalities of gait and mobility.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R26.8 encompasses a variety of gait and mobility abnormalities that do not fall under more specific classifications. These may include atypical walking patterns, unsteady gait, or difficulty in movement that cannot be attributed to a defined neurological or musculoskeletal condition. Symptoms may manifest as limping, shuffling, or a wide-based gait, and can arise from a range of underlying causes such as neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease), musculoskeletal issues (e.g., arthritis), or even psychological factors (e.g., fear of falling). Clinical evaluation often involves a thorough history and physical examination, including gait analysis, to identify contributing factors. Laboratory findings may include imaging studies or neurological assessments to rule out specific conditions. Accurate coding requires careful documentation of the patient's symptoms, the context in which they occur, and any relevant diagnostic findings.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes leading to similar symptoms
  • Need for comprehensive documentation to support the diagnosis
  • Potential overlap with other gait-related codes
  • Variability in clinical presentation among patients

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of the specific abnormality
  • Failure to provide a clear rationale for the diagnosis
  • Inadequate differentiation from other gait codes
  • Lack of supporting clinical findings or history

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, physical examination findings, and any relevant lab results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained gait abnormalities, often requiring a comprehensive evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of comorbidities that may affect mobility, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation including immediate assessment findings and interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with sudden onset of gait abnormalities due to trauma or acute neurological events.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and documentation of potential life-threatening conditions that may present with abnormal gait.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R26.8 When
  • Coders should refer to the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation and that all relevant symptoms are captured

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R26.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits to assess gait abnormalities.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's history, examination findings, and any treatment plans.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine may require more detailed documentation of comorbidities.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of gait abnormalities, improving the ability to capture the nuances of patient presentations and facilitating better data collection for research and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of gait abnormalities, improving the ability to capture the nuances of patient presentations and facilitating better data collection for research and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of gait abnormalities, improving the ability to capture the nuances of patient presentations and facilitating better data collection for research and treatment outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I document to support the use of R26.8?

Document the specific nature of the gait abnormality, any relevant history, physical examination findings, and any diagnostic tests performed to support the diagnosis.