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R26.2
ICD-10-CM
Unable to Ambulate

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

Ambulatory Dysfunction
Reduced Mobility

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Inability to walk independently.
  • Clinical Signs : Weakness, pain, balance problems, impaired coordination, paralysis.
  • Common Settings : Hospital, rehab facility, nursing home, home healthcare.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC R26.2 Coding
R26.1

Abnormalities of gait and mobility

Covers difficulty walking or moving, including inability to ambulate.

Z74.01

Aftercare following surgery

May be used if inability to ambulate is due to post-surgical recovery.

M62.2

Muscle weakness (generalized)

Can be a contributing factor to the inability to ambulate.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Unable to Ambulate
Impaired Ambulation
Deconditioned Ambulation

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document specific reason for inability to ambulate
  • Specify assistive devices used or needed
  • Detail onset date and duration of ambulation inability
  • Describe impact on Activities of Daily Living ADLs
  • Note any associated pain, weakness, or balance issues

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document specific limitations: distance, assistance needed.
  • Specify reason for ambulation inability: pain, weakness, etc.
  • Code to highest specificity: use ICD-10 Z codes when applicable.
  • Query physician for clarification if documentation is vague.
  • Regularly audit documentation for ambulation status accuracy.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify documented inability to walk independently.
  • Confirm underlying cause documented (e.g., injury, weakness).
  • Assess and document assistive device use (if any).
  • Review medication list for contributing factors.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Impact Summary: Unable to Ambulate
  • Keywords: Medical Billing, Coding Accuracy, Hospital Reporting, Unable to Ambulate, Mobility Impairment, Functional Limitation, ICD-10 Codes, Reimbursement Rates, Quality Indicators, Patient Safety, Fall Risk
  • Impact 1: Reduced reimbursement if ambulation documentation incomplete.
  • Impact 2: Higher fall risk scores impacting quality metrics.
  • Impact 3: Increased length of stay affecting hospital costs.
  • Impact 4: Potential case mix index (CMI) impact depending on diagnosis coding.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code underlying cause, not just 'unable to ambulate'
  • Document ambulation limitations specifically
  • Specify duration and severity of ambulation impairment
  • Consider R26.2 for abnormalities of gait/mobility
  • Review 729.5 for pain causing gait disturbance

Documentation Templates

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.
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