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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR26.89

R26.89

Other abnormalities of gait and mobility

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R26.89 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other abnormalities of gait and mobility.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R26.89 encompasses a variety of gait and mobility abnormalities that do not fit into more specific categories. These may include atypical walking patterns, unsteady gait, or difficulty in movement that cannot be attributed to a known condition. Symptoms may manifest as limping, shuffling, or an inability to maintain balance. Clinical findings may include observable deviations in walking, such as asymmetry or altered stride length. Abnormalities can arise from neurological disorders, musculoskeletal issues, or even psychological factors. Common causes include stroke, Parkinson's disease, arthritis, or peripheral neuropathy. A thorough clinical evaluation, including a detailed history and physical examination, is essential to identify underlying causes and guide appropriate management. Laboratory findings may be non-specific but can include imaging studies or neurological assessments to rule out other conditions.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes leading to similar symptoms
  • Need for comprehensive clinical evaluation
  • Potential overlap with other gait-related codes
  • Documentation of specific symptoms and their duration

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of symptoms
  • Failure to specify the underlying cause
  • Inconsistent coding with clinical findings
  • Lack of follow-up documentation

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 mobility issues, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach.

Billing Considerations

Consider comorbidities that may affect mobility, such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute assessment of gait abnormalities, including trauma history and neurological evaluation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment is crucial; document any immediate interventions or referrals.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R26.89 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding symptoms and signs
  • Ensure that the code is supported by clinical documentation and that it reflects the patient's condition accurately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R26.89 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 changes in mobility.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine may require additional tests to evaluate underlying causes.

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 complexity of these conditions and their underlying causes.

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 complexity of these conditions and their underlying causes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of gait abnormalities, improving the ability to capture the complexity of these conditions and their underlying causes.

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 R26.89?

Document specific symptoms, duration, and any relevant clinical findings. Include assessments of mobility and any underlying conditions that may contribute to the abnormality.