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ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesInability To Ambulate

Inability To Ambulate

ICD-10 Coding for Inability to Ambulate(R26.2, Z74.09)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYGeriatrics
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Inability To Ambulate?
Essential facts and insights about Inability to Ambulate

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Difficulty or inability to walk independently
  • History of falls or near-falls
  • Muscle weakness or joint pain affecting mobility

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Patient's mobility status and functional limitations
  • Specific terms like 'non-ambulatory' or 'mobility impairment'
  • Examples: 'Patient requires assistance for ambulation' or 'Unable to ambulate without aid'

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Usage guidelines: Use specific codes based on the underlying cause of ambulation issues.
  • Common errors: Misclassifying the type of gait disturbance or not documenting the severity of the condition.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Conditions like paralysis or severe neurological disorders that may have separate coding
  • Alternative codes for specific causes of ambulation issues, such as arthritis or stroke

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
R26.0
Ataxic gait
R26.1
Difficulty in walking, not elsewhere classified
R26.2
Difficulty in ambulation
Ancillary Codes
M25.561
Differential Codes
R26.81
Z99.3

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Geriatrics

Specialty Applications

  • Elderly patients with mobility issues
  • Long-term care facilities, outpatient geriatric clinics

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements?

Document the patient's functional status, specific limitations, and any assistive devices used.

Billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding to reflect the patient's condition and any associated comorbidities.