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Coding Tip of the Month - February 2010

Posted on February 01, 2010 in Coding Education 

Abnormality of Gait vs. Difficulty in Walking
Comments

  1. Good information, however the Audio is jumpy/inconsistant and therefore difficult to follow.  Could you post a written version?

    By Marilyn Waechter on Feb 18, 2010 at 08:47 am

  2. Hi Marilyn. Here is the written tip.

    A frequently asked question in home health is, “When should I code abnormality of gait (781.2) instead of difficulty in walking (719.7)?” Perhaps the reason for this is that abnormality of gait is a case-mix diagnosis and difficulty in walking is not. Answer this question by asking a few simple questions of your own.

    * Does the Pt have a progressive neuro condition?
    * Has the Pt had an orthopedic repair?
    * Does the Pt have a history of falls for unknown reasons?

    If you answered yes to any of these, your Pt probably has abnormal gait. But if the problem stems from a chronic joint condition such as arthritis or an old injury, or the Pt’s pain or obesity status makes walking a problem, 719.7 may be more appropriate.

    By Jennifer Warfield, RN, BSN, HCS-D, COS-C on Mar 12, 2010 at 11:26 am

  3. WRITTEN TIP CONT’D.

    Keep in mind also that both of these codes are symptom codes and should only be reserved for cases where a more definitive diagnosis has not been made.

    Examples:
    * Pt with osteoarthritis that hasn’t yet decided to have a TKR done is trying therapy for a couple of months instead. Code difficulty in walking (719.7).

    * Pt with osteoarthritis had a knee replacement done and needs therapy for gait training. Code abnormality of gait (781.2).

    By Jennifer Warfield, RN, BSN, HCS-D, COS-C on Mar 12, 2010 at 11:28 am

  4. nice tips.this audio said more information.thank u for sharing.

    By holistic healing therapy on Apr 23, 2010 at 09:47 pm

  5. Those Jackson kids are adorable! What! No mention of Pink’s outstanding performance—twirling and splashing water on all the celebs (help I’m melting) Her voice never quivered. Unlike,dizi izle Taylor and Stevie—never liked Stevie I think her voice is awful. I do a great impersonation kinda Katherine Hepburn and Joan Rivers mixed together—volatile.

    By dizi izle on Jul 30, 2010 at 04:28 am

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