R26.9 – Unspecified abnormalities of gait and mobility

R26.9 diagnosis code: Unspecified abnormalities of gait and mobility

• R26.9 is a billable ICD-10-CL code for healthcare diagnosis reimbursement of unspecified abnormalities of gait and mobility. 
• The ICD-10-CM version R26.9 is used to diagnose unspecified abnormalities of gait and mobility in America. The code for the corresponding diagnosis may differ internationally.
• It’s under the umbrella category of “Symptoms, signs, and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified.” More specifically, it’s under “Abnormalities of gait and mobility.”
• The code can only be used if the practitioner thinks the other similar codes don’t accurately describe or match the patient’s walking difficulties, or if the clinical information is unknown or unavailable. It’s usually used to describe a functional gait disorder or abnormal gait. 
• Note that practitioners cannot use this as a principal diagnosis, especially when a more specific diagnosis has been made.

Is the R26.9 – Unspecified Abnormalities of Gait and Mobility billable?

Yes. R26.9 is billable for insurance reimbursement purposes.

Clinical information

• Functional gait disorder is a condition in which, due to a malfunction in the nervous system, the patient's gait becomes abnormal and involuntary. It is often characterised by difficulty walking, poor balance, and other abnormalities in movement that cannot be explained by structural damage or a recognised neurological condition.
• This medical diagnosis is typically considered only when no other physical disease or neurological disorder can account for the patient’s symptoms. Functional gait disorders may present in a variety of ways, including crouching, excessive swaying, taking small, slow steps, dragging a leg, suddenly collapsing without injury, and displaying additional movements that disrupt balance.
• Individuals at higher risk include those with a family history of neurological conditions, those who have experienced significant stress or trauma, individuals with underlying mental health conditions, and those with a known neurological disorder.
• Diagnosing this disorder involves a comprehensive physical assessment, during which physical therapists and physicians evaluate the patient's gait, posture, and movement consistency. Additional input from mental health professionals or neurologists may be necessary to rule out other diagnoses.
• Treatment is highly individualised and may include physical therapy aimed at retraining normal movement patterns, psychological therapies to address underlying emotional triggers, use of mobility aids to support balance and prevent falls, and medication if comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression are present. In rare cases, surgical intervention may be considered.
• Accurate coding and appropriate usage of ICD-10-CM codes are essential for proper documentation and reimbursement. Clinicians must clearly describe the patient’s gait and associated symptoms to select the most specific codes available.

Synonyms include:

• Abnormal gait
• Functional gait abnormality
• Incongruous gait
• Gait abnormality
• High-level sensorimotor gait disorder
• Ataxic gait
• Paralytic gait
• Gait abnormalities

Other ICD-10 codes commonly used for unspecified abnormalities

• R00.9: Unspecified abnormalities of heartbeat
• R06.9: Unspecified abnormalities of breathing