Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Decreased Mobility(Z74.09, R26.89)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Decreased Mobility. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Reduced MobilityMobility Impairment

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Decreased Mobility

Z74-Z75Primary Range

Problems related to care provider dependency

This range includes codes for conditions affecting mobility due to care dependency, such as Z74.09 for other reduced mobility.

Abnormalities of gait and mobility

This range includes codes for specific gait abnormalities, such as R26.89 for other abnormalities of gait and mobility.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z74.09Other reduced mobilityUse when reduced mobility is due to non-disease causes such as deconditioning.
  • Documentation of assistive device use
  • Functional assessment scores
R26.89Other abnormalities of gait and mobilityUse for gait abnormalities not specified elsewhere, especially when related to neurological conditions.
  • Gait analysis results
  • Neurological examination findings

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for decreased mobility

Essential facts and insights about Decreased Mobility

The ICD-10 code for decreased mobility due to care dependency is Z74.09, while R26.89 is used for specific gait abnormalities.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for decreased mobility

Other reduced mobility
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient requires assistive devices for mobility

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed functional assessment is provided

Applicable To

  • Dependence on wheelchair
  • Confined to bed or chair

Excludes

  • Gait abnormalities (R26.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of assistive device use
  • Functional assessment scores

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly used as a primary diagnosis

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the cause of reduced mobility to avoid incorrect primary diagnosis coding.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Sequelae of unspecified cerebrovascular disease

I69.91
Use as a primary code when reduced mobility is a result of a stroke.

Parkinson's disease

G20
Use as a primary code when gait abnormalities are due to Parkinson's disease.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Other abnormalities of gait and mobility

R26.89
Use R26.89 for specific gait abnormalities due to neurological or musculoskeletal conditions.

Other reduced mobility

Z74.09
Use Z74.09 when mobility issues are due to care dependency rather than specific gait abnormalities.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Decreased Mobility to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z74.09.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inadequate care planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized assessment tools., Document specific functional limitations.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on patient mobility status.

Mitigation Strategy

Specify 'other reduced mobility' with device dependence details.

Impact

Using Z74.09 as a primary diagnosis can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use Z74.09 as a secondary diagnosis.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Decreased Mobility, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Decreased Mobility

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Decreased Mobility. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Patient with reduced mobility post-stroke

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Functional assessment
  • Assistive device use
  • Mobility limitations

Example Documentation

Patient requires wheelchair for mobility due to post-stroke hemiparesis. Functional Mobility Scale Level 3.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has mobility issues.
Good Documentation Example
Patient requires moderate assist x1 for sit-to-stand transfers due to left hip flexion weakness (MMT 3/5); Functional Independence Measure: 3/7 for locomotion.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on the patient's functional limitations and assistive needs.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Decreased Mobility? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more