OASIS Alert
When Does Trouble Walking Equal Abnormality of Gait?
PDF
Q: I was told you could only code for "Abnormality of Gait" for a patient who has undergone a procedure (TKA, THA). Could you please clarify this for me? A: Use code 781.2 (Abnormality of gait) if the problem with gait results from an acute condition - something that occurred recently leaving the patient with a gait problem requiring physical therapy to provide gait training, says coding consultant Lynda Dilts-Benson with Reingruber & Co. in St. Petersburg, FL.
Some examples include: a CVA; surgery; a new foot wound; an immobilization device that requires the patient to move in a different way so as to require gait training with an assistive device such as crutches.
781.2 also is used when the episode focuses on gait problems resulting from neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's or multiple sclerosis.
On the other hand, you would code 719.7 (Difficulty in walking) if the gait problem is due to a chronic condition such as arthritis, degenerative joint disease, muscle weakness etc., where there has not been any other intervention such as surgery or manipulation, Dilts-Benson advises.
Caution: Make sure your clinicians understand the difference between these codes. 719.7 does not have case mix impact while 781.2 does, and intermediaries may give extra scrutiny to any code affecting case mix. Remember that the physician's documentation must support all diagnoses, and you should clarify with the doctor or staff if you have any questions, Dilts-Benson cautions.
OASIS Alert
- Case Mix:
Wound Care Payments Will Drop For Agencies That Followed The OLD Rules
It's time to re-train clinicians - again. Once again CMS dumps a sudden change on [...] - Assessment:
'No' On M0440 Is Probably Wrong
So what is a skin lesion? If you mark M0440 "no," you might want to [...] - Wound Assessment:
Visualize New Pressure Ulcer Coding
If your clinicians aren't sure what to do with the new reverse staging of pressure [...] - Diagnosis Coding:
Use E Codes To Solve Trauma Code Problems
If you've ever wondered whether to bother with E codes, here's a good reason why [...] - Test Your OASIS Savvy ...
Question: If you're answering activities of daily living questions and the patient was in the [...] - Documentation:
Linking Paychecks To Timely Documentations Works - But It's Risky
Experts suggest better ways to get those assessments in on time. Late paperwork can cost [...] - Reimbursement:
Make The Most Of Your Intermediary's Short-Lived Good Will - Risk Management:
Unite Staff To Save Hundreds Per Episode On M0175 Snafus - Reader Question:
When Does Trouble Walking Equal Abnormality of Gait?
Q: I was told you could only code for "Abnormality of Gait" for a patient [...] - OASIS News:
Find Answers To Your OASIS Questions All In One Place
The answers you've been looking for are back. A valuable resource is ready to download.
The [...]