Recurrent Falls ICD-10-CM Codes
Read this short guide to learn about Recurrent Falls ICD codes you can use. Explore clinical and billing information here.
Fact Checked by RJ Gumban.
What Recurrent Falls ICD codes can I use?
There is only one Recurrent Falls ICD code you can use, and that is R29.6 - Repeated falls. This is only meant to be used on a patient who is confirmed to have fallen numerous times and is at risk of falling repeatedly in the future.
Please note that this ICD-10 code is not valid as a principal diagnosis because recurrent falls are not a diagnosable disease or condition. It results from whatever underlying problems a patient has that have affected their mobility to the extent that they fall and are at risk of falls.
Instead, this ICD-10 code is used to explain the status of a patient. In the case of this code, the patient had fallen a lot before being examined, and the injuries that resulted from these repeated falls put them further at risk of falling.
Is this lone Recurrent Falls ICD code billable?
Yes. This lone Recurrent Falls-related ICD-10 code is valid and billable.
Clinical information about Recurrent Falls:
- Recurrent falls are common in elderly adults and represent a significant public health concern. They often lead to severe injuries like fractures and head traumas, impacting the individual's independence and quality of life.
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of four older adults falls yearly in the United States, but less than half tell their doctor.
- A combination of risk factors causes most falls, and the higher the number of risk factors a person has, the greater their chances of falling. Common factors include lower body weakness, difficulties with walking and balance, foot pain, or unsafe footwear.
- Medical conditions, including heart disease, dementia, vision problems, arthritis, and neurological and muscular conditions, can increase the risk of falls.
- Certain medications may also contribute to falls by causing dizziness, confusion, slowed reflexes, or reduced bone density.
- Prevention strategies include regular physical activity, managing and evaluating medication use, improving the safety of living environments, and checking vision annually.
- Regular check-ups should be scheduled for elderly individuals to assess their fall risk. A detailed medical evaluation should be conducted to identify potential contributing factors if they have had recurrent falls.
Synonyms include:
- Elderly fall
- Falls
- Falls caused by medication
- Falls infrequently
- Recurrent falls
- Finding of frequency of falls
- Reduction in number of falls
- Unexplained recurrent falls
Commonly asked questions
Here are some examples of problems that can cause mobility issues, and, in turn, heighten the risk of falling for a person: Arthritis, thyroid problems, heart problems, neurological disorders like stroke and Parkinson’s Disease, sprains, and having a history of falling.
Healthcare professionals can conduct balance and mobility tests such as the 30-second Sit-to-Stand Test to see how at risk a person is of falling. They can even conduct such tests to monitor patients over time to see if there are any reductions or increases in their risk of falling.
They will develop a care plan considering their patient’s falling risk. Their plan will likely include points related to providing support so that the patient can do activities of daily living, and even physical therapy and rehabilitation to help them recover from any injuries they may have sustained because of falling.
