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Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Reader Question ~ Gather Details Before Coding Poor Ambulation

Published on Tue Nov 28, 2006

Question: What is the best diagnosis for poor ambulation?


California Subscriber


Answer: Two general diagnoses related to poor ambulation are 719.7 (Difficulty in walking) and 781.2 (Abnormality of gait).

Because many conditions can lead to poor ambulation, get more details from your physician before coding the case. Ask whether the patient has a gait disorder, paralysis, leg pain or other factors leading to his difficulty. Then decide if you should report an additional diagnosis such as 729.5 (Pain in limb) for leg pain or 344.3x (Monoplegia of lower limb).
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