Version 2024
No Valid Principal Dx

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R26.8

Other abnormalities of gait and mobility

ICD-10-CM Code:
R26.8
ICD-10 Code for:
Other abnormalities of gait and mobility
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified
    (R00–R99)
    • Symptoms and signs involving the nervous and musculoskeletal systems
      (R25-R29)
      • Abnormalities of gait and mobility
        (R26)

R26.8 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of other abnormalities of gait and mobility. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

According to ICD-10-CM guidelines this code should not to be used as a principal diagnosis code when a related definitive diagnosis has been established.

Specific Coding Applicable to Other abnormalities of gait and mobility

Non-specific codes like R26.8 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for other abnormalities of gait and mobility:

  • Use R26.81 for Unsteadiness on feet - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use R26.89 for Other abnormalities of gait and mobility - BILLABLE CODE

Patient Education


Walking Problems

What are walking problems?

If you are like most people, you walk thousands of steps each day. You walk to do your daily activities, get around, and exercise. It's something that you usually don't think about. But for those people who have a problem with walking, daily life can be more difficult.

Walking problems may cause you to:

  • Walk with your head and neck bent over
  • Drag, drop, or shuffle your feet
  • Have irregular, jerky movements when walking
  • Take smaller steps
  • Waddle
  • Walk more slowly or stiffly

What causes walking problems?

The pattern of how you walk is called your gait. Many different diseases and conditions can affect your gait and lead to problems with walking. They include:

  • Abnormal development of the muscles or bones of your legs or feet
  • Arthritis of the hips, knees, ankles, or feet
  • Cerebellar disorders, which are disorders of the area of the brain that controls coordination and balance
  • Foot problems, including corns and calluses, sores, and warts
  • Infections
  • Injuries, such as fractures (broken bones), sprains, and tendinitis
  • Movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease
  • Neurologic diseases, including multiple sclerosis and peripheral nerve disorders
  • Vision problems

How is the cause of a walking problem diagnosed?

To make a diagnosis, your health care provider will ask about your medical history and do a physical exam. This will include checking your bones and muscles and doing a neurological exam. In some cases, you may have other tests, such as lab or imaging tests.

What are the treatments for walking problems?

Treatment of walking problems depends on the cause. Some common types of treatments include:

  • Medicines
  • Mobility aids
  • Physical therapy
  • Surgery

[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.