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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesLimping

Limping

ICD-10 Coding for Limping(R26.2, R26.81)

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

Diagnosis Overview

What is Limping?
Essential facts and insights about Limping

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Altered gait pattern
  • Pain in lower extremities
  • Swelling or tenderness in joints

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Patient history of injury or condition
  • Detailed description of gait abnormalities
  • Assessment of range of motion and strength

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Use specific codes for underlying conditions causing limping.
  • Common errors include using general codes instead of specific diagnoses.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Fractures or dislocations causing limping
  • Alternative codes for specific conditions like arthritis or tendonitis

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
719.7
Limping, unspecified
733.90
Unspecified disorder of bone and cartilage
Ancillary Codes
M25.56-
M16.12
Differential Codes
R26.81
R26.81
if balance impairment is documented.
R26.2
R26.2
if difficulty is due to pain or weakness.

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Orthopedics

Specialty Applications

  • Pediatric and adult populations
  • Outpatient orthopedic clinics and emergency departments

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?

Include detailed patient history, physical exam findings, and any imaging results.

Billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding to reflect the specific cause of limping for appropriate reimbursement.