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ICD-10 Coding for Reduced Mobility(R26.2, Z74.09)

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

Also known as:

Mobility ImpairmentDecreased Mobility

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Reduced Mobility

Persons with potential health hazards related to family and personal history and certain conditions influencing health status

Includes codes for reduced mobility due to various non-specific conditions.

R26-R29Primary Range

Symptoms and signs involving the nervous and musculoskeletal systems

Primary range for symptoms like difficulty walking and gait abnormalities.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R26.2Difficulty in walking, not elsewhere classifiedUse when difficulty walking is the primary symptom without a specific underlying condition.
  • Timed Up & Go test >30 seconds
  • 10-meter walk test with >20% asymmetry
Z74.09Other reduced mobilityUse when reduced mobility is due to non-specific causes and no primary condition is documented.
  • Katz ADL score ≤4
  • Caregiver dependency logs

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 reduced mobility

Essential facts and insights about Reduced Mobility

The ICD-10 code for reduced mobility is Z74.09, used for non-specific causes of reduced mobility.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for reduced mobility

Difficulty in walking, not elsewhere classified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of difficulty walking without a specific underlying condition.

Applicable To

  • Gait instability
  • Use of assistive devices

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Timed Up & Go test >30 seconds
  • 10-meter walk test with >20% asymmetry

Code-Specific Risks

  • Lack of quantifiable performance measures

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes specific tests and observed gait patterns.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other reduced mobility

Z74.09
Use when reduced mobility is due to non-specific causes like deconditioning.

Differential Codes

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

Ataxic gait

R26.0
Use R26.0 for gait ataxia specifically related to cerebellar dysfunction.

Dependence on wheelchair

Z99.3
Use Z99.3 for patients who are wheelchair-dependent.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Reduced Mobility to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R26.2.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific language in documentation, Include objective measurements

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines for specificity., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use Z74.09 for billable reduced mobility without specific etiology.

Impact

Risk of audits due to non-specific coding of mobility issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes and document clinical findings in detail.

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 Reduced Mobility, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Reduced Mobility

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

Patient with reduced mobility due to muscle weakness

Specialty: Physical Therapy

Required Elements

  • Functional Reach Test
  • 5x Sit-to-Stand
  • Observed Gait Pattern

Example Documentation

Patient requires 50% assist for transfers due to quadriceps weakness.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has trouble walking.
Good Documentation Example
Patient demonstrates 10° knee flexion contracture limiting stride length.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and their impact on mobility.

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

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

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