ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for gait abnormality
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Gait abnormality”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding gait abnormality
The ICD-10-CM code for gait abnormality is R26.9 (Unspecified abnormalities of gait and mobility). The official index lists 9 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on R26.9.
Within R26, choose R26.9 (Unspecified abnormalities of gait and mobility) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: Ataxic gait (R26.0), paralytic gait (R26.1), difficulty in walking, not elsewhere classified (R26.2) and other abnormalities of gait and mobility (R26.8).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 091 (Other Disorders of Nervous System with MCC, relative weight 1.7046), DRG 092 (Other Disorders of Nervous System with CC, relative weight 1.0239) and DRG 093 (Other Disorders of Nervous System without CC/MCC, relative weight 0.7783), in MDC 01 (Diseases and Disorders of the Nervous System), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.
More specific gait abnormality codes (official index)
- ataxic R26.0 — Ataxic gait
- falling R29.6 — Repeated falls
- hysterical (ataxic) (staggering) F44.4 — Conversion disorder with motor symptom or deficit
- paralytic R26.1 — Paralytic gait
- spastic R26.1 — Paralytic gait
- specified type NEC R26.89 — Other abnormalities of gait and mobility
- staggering R26.0 — Ataxic gait
- unsteadiness R26.81 — Unsteadiness on feet
- walking difficulty NEC R26.2 — Difficulty in walking, not elsewhere classified
Common questions about gait abnormality ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for gait abnormality?
- R26.9 — Unspecified abnormalities of gait and mobility. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: R26.0, R29.6, F44.4, R26.1 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for ataxic gait abnormality?
- R26.0 — Ataxic gait.
What is the ICD-10 code for falling gait abnormality?
- R29.6 — Repeated falls.
What is the ICD-10 code for hysterical gait abnormality?
- F44.4 — Conversion disorder with motor symptom or deficit.
What is the ICD-10 code for paralytic gait abnormality?
- R26.1 — Paralytic gait.
What is the ICD-10 code for spastic gait abnormality?
- R26.1 — Paralytic gait.
What is the ICD-10 code for staggering gait abnormality?
- R26.0 — Ataxic gait.
Is R26.9 billable?
- Yes. R26.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can R26.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict R26.9 as a principal diagnosis.
Is R26.9 a CC or MCC?
- No. R26.9 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.