Understand the diagnosis "Unable to Ambulate" with this guide to clinical documentation, medical coding, and healthcare best practices. Find information on related terms such as ambulation assistance, mobility impairment, gait disturbance, bedridden, non-ambulatory, and wheelchair bound. Learn about ICD-10 codes associated with inability to walk and explore resources for patient care and assessment of functional limitations. This resource is designed for healthcare professionals, medical coders, and those seeking information on documenting and coding inability to ambulate.
Also known as
Abnormalities of gait and mobility
Covers difficulty walking or moving, including inability to ambulate.
Aftercare following surgery
May be used if inability to ambulate is due to post-surgical recovery.
Muscle weakness (generalized)
Can be a contributing factor to the inability to ambulate.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the inability to ambulate due to paralysis?
Yes
Monoplegia?
No
Due to fracture?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Unable to Ambulate |
Impaired Ambulation |
Deconditioned Ambulation |
Patient presents with inability to ambulate, documented as ambulation impairment, gait disturbance, and mobility limitation. Assessment reveals functional mobility deficits impacting independent ambulation. Contributing factors may include muscle weakness, lower extremity weakness, balance problems, impaired coordination, joint pain, or neurological deficits. Patient reports difficulty walking, impaired gait, and limited mobility. On examination, patient demonstrates unsteady gait, reduced stride length, and reliance on assistive devices such as a walker or wheelchair. The inability to ambulate impacts activities of daily living (ADLs) and increases fall risk. Plan includes physical therapy for gait training, balance exercises, and strengthening exercises to improve mobility and ambulation status. Occupational therapy referral to address adaptive equipment needs and strategies for improving functional independence. Fall risk assessment completed and fall precautions implemented. Patient education provided on home safety and assistive device use. Diagnosis: Unable to Ambulate. ICD-10 code R26.2 (Difficulty in walking, not elsewhere classified) may be considered, with further specificity based on underlying etiology. Continued monitoring and reassessment of ambulation status are planned.