R26.2 – Difficulty in walking, not elsewhere classified

R26.2 Diagnosis Code: Difficulty in walking, not elsewhere classified

• R26.2 is a billable ICD-10-CL code for healthcare diagnosis reimbursement of Difficulty in walking, not elsewhere classified. 
• The ICD-10-CM version R26.2 is used to diagnose Difficulty in walking, not elsewhere classified 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.”
• Practitioners can use this code when their patients cannot walk normally, walk differently from other people, or have impairments/disabilities in walking. 
• 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. 
• R26.2 can be and is usually paired with the M25 ICD-10-CM code.

Is R26.2 Billable? 

Yes. R26.2 is billable for insurance reimbursement purposes.

‍

Clinical Information

• Numerous conditions can cause difficulty walking, such as arthritis, ataxia, cerebral palsy, injuries like soft tissue injuries or diseases that affect the lower extremities, broken bones, strains, and more. 
• Similar to the one above, several symptoms depend on the system. 
• Some symptoms patients may be exhibiting alongside difficulty walking related to the musculoskeletal system are involuntary muscle movements, limb deformities, and muscle weakness. 
• Aside from those, some symptoms patients may exhibit along with difficulty walking related to the nervous system are confusion, dizziness, and numbness. 
• Other symptoms that don’t fall under the aforementioned systems are vertigo, problems with balance, or pain in the chest. 
• Those not diagnosed with difficulty with walking may result in further injuries. 
• What practitioners usually treat are the injuries obtained after difficulty walking. However, it’s possible to prevent this diagnosis with the help of assistive walking devices, medications, physical therapy, and safety measures for oneself and at home.

Synonyms Include:

• Difficulty walking
• Walking disability

Other ICD-10 Codes Commonly Used for Difficulty Walking

As mentioned above, it’s best to check the other codes related to an abnormality in gait and walking before using R26.2. Here’s a list of the codes under that classification:

• R26.0: Ataxic Gait
• R26.1: Paralytic Gait
• R26.81: Unsteadiness on Feet
• R26.89: Other abnormalities in gait and mobility

Do note that you cannot use R26.2 with R29.6: Falling and R26.81: Unsteadiness on feet.