ICD-10 Guide

R27.8

Other lack of coordination

BILLABLE STATUSYes

IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015

LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R27.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other lack of coordination.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R27.8 refers to a variety of conditions characterized by a lack of coordination that does not fit into more specific categories. This may manifest as clumsiness, difficulty with balance, or impaired motor skills, which can be observed in various clinical settings. Patients may present with symptoms such as unsteady gait, difficulty performing fine motor tasks, or an inability to maintain posture. The underlying causes can range from neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease, to metabolic issues, vitamin deficiencies, or even psychological conditions. Accurate diagnosis often requires a thorough clinical evaluation, including neurological examinations, imaging studies, and laboratory tests to identify any underlying pathology. The lack of coordination can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach to management and rehabilitation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

Variety of underlying causes requiring differential diagnosis
Overlap with other neurological and musculoskeletal conditions
Need for comprehensive documentation to support the diagnosis
Potential for misclassification with more specific coordination disorders

Audit Risk Factors

Inadequate documentation of the clinical findings
Failure to specify the underlying cause of lack of coordination
Misuse of the code for more specific coordination disorders
Lack of supporting diagnostic tests or evaluations

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history and physical examination notes, including neurological assessments and any relevant lab results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained falls, difficulty walking, or complaints of clumsiness.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of comorbidities that may contribute to lack of coordination, such as diabetes or thyroid disorders.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation should include immediate assessments, vital signs, and any interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute onset of coordination issues following trauma or sudden illness.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment of potential life-threatening conditions that may cause acute lack of coordination.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R27.8 When

Follow the official ICD
CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is supported by clinical documentation and that the underlying cause is clearly identified when applicable

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R27.8 When

No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used when evaluating a patient with lack of coordination in an outpatient setting.

Documentation Requirements

Document the history, examination findings, and medical decision-making.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine providers should ensure comprehensive assessments are documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding, but it has also increased the complexity of accurately capturing the nuances of symptoms like lack of coordination.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding, but it has also increased the complexity of accurately capturing the nuances of symptoms like lack of coordination.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding, but it has also increased the complexity of accurately capturing the nuances of symptoms like lack of coordination.

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 R27.8?

Document the patient's clinical presentation, any relevant history, physical examination findings, and results from diagnostic tests that support the diagnosis of lack of coordination.

ICD-10 R27.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other lack of coordination.