ICD-10 Coding for Mobility Impairment(M62.81, R26.2, Z74.09)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Mobility Impairment. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Mobility Impairment
M62-M62.9Primary Range
Disorders of muscle, including muscle weakness
Covers primary conditions leading to muscle weakness affecting mobility.
Abnormalities of gait and mobility
Includes specific gait abnormalities contributing to mobility impairment.
Problems related to care provider dependency, including reduced mobility
Used for documenting general reduced mobility when no specific cause is identified.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M62.81 | Muscle weakness (generalized) | Use when muscle weakness is the primary cause of mobility impairment. |
|
| R26.2 | Difficulty in walking, not elsewhere classified | Use when difficulty walking is observed without a specific underlying cause. |
|
| Z74.09 | Other reduced mobility | Use when no specific cause for reduced mobility is identified. |
|
Clinical Decision Support
Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for mobility impairment
Essential facts and insights about Mobility Impairment
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for mobility impairment
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Muscle strength testing shows weakness
documentation Criteria
- Functional assessments indicate impaired mobility
Applicable To
- Generalized muscle weakness
Excludes
- Muscle weakness due to specific conditions like stroke (I69.3-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented muscle strength testing showing weakness
- Functional assessments indicating impaired mobility
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if specific etiology is not documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure muscle weakness is documented with specific tests and assessments.
R26.2 - Difficulty in walking, not elsewhere classified
Use when difficulty walking is observed without a specific underlying cause.
Applicable To
- Difficulty walking due to non-specific causes
Excludes
- Gait abnormalities due to neurological conditions (G20-G26)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented difficulty in walking tests
- Functional mobility assessments
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation of walking assessments and any assistive devices used.
Z74.09 - Other reduced mobility
Use when no specific cause for reduced mobility is identified.
Applicable To
- General reduced mobility without specific cause
Excludes
- Specific mobility impairments due to identifiable conditions
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Functional assessments showing reduced mobility
- No specific underlying cause identified
Coding Notes
Use only when no specific cause is identified; not a primary code.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Mobility Impairment to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M62.81.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific tests and assessments, Document assistive device usage
Impact
Reimbursement: Claims may be denied due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Poor data quality and inaccurate patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Always identify and code the specific cause of mobility impairment first.
Impact
Using Z74.09 as a primary code without identifying specific causes.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document and code specific underlying conditions first.
Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Mobility Impairment, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Mobility Impairment
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Mobility Impairment. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Neurology Progress Note
Specialty: NeurologyRequired Elements
- Functional Assessment
- Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test
- Berg Balance Scale
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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