Mobility: walking & moving around functional limitation, discharge status, at discharge from therapy or to end reporting
HCPCS code
Name of the Procedure:
Mobility: Walking & Moving Around Functional Limitation, Discharge Status (G8980)
Summary
This assessment measures the ability to walk and move around at the time of discharge from therapy or at the end of the reporting period. It helps to determine the patient's progress and current functional status regarding their mobility.
Purpose
The purpose of this assessment is to evaluate the level of improvement or decline in a patient's ability to walk and move around after undergoing physical therapy or other forms of treatment. The goals include documenting recovery progress, identifying any persistent mobility limitations, and planning for further care if needed.
Indications
- Patients with mobility limitations due to conditions like stroke, arthritis, hip fractures, or post-surgical status.
- Individuals undergoing rehabilitation for walking-related functional impairments.
- Patients who have received physical therapy or other mobility-enhancing treatments.
Preparation
- No specific preparations such as fasting or medication adjustments are usually required.
- A preliminary assessment of the patient's mobility may be conducted to compare with the discharge status.
Procedure Description
- The patient is asked to perform a series of walking and movement tasks.
- These tasks may include walking specific distances, climbing stairs, and other similar activities.
- A healthcare professional will observe and record the patient's performance.
- The findings are documented as part of the patient's medical record for discharge planning or end-of-reporting evaluation.
Duration
The assessment typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the thoroughness of the evaluation and the patient's condition.
Setting
This procedure can be performed in various settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and possibly at the patient’s home.
Personnel
- Physical Therapists
- Rehabilitation Specialists
- Nurses or other trained healthcare professionals
Risks and Complications
- Minor discomfort or fatigue from walking and movement tasks.
- Rare risk of falling or injury during the assessment, which healthcare professionals manage by providing assistance and using safety measures.
Benefits
- Provides a clear understanding of the patient’s mobility status at discharge.
- Helps in planning future care or therapy needs.
- Facilitates communication with other healthcare providers about the patient's progress.
Recovery
- No recovery time is generally required for this assessment.
- Patients may be advised to rest if they experience any fatigue or discomfort post-assessment.
- Follow-up appointments may be scheduled based on the results to address ongoing mobility issues.
Alternatives
- Self-reported mobility assessments.
- Other functional limitation assessments focusing on different areas of physical ability.
- Imaging studies or additional diagnostic tests if structural issues are suspected.
Patient Experience
- Patients may feel some physical exertion during the tasks.
- The procedure is typically well-tolerated and non-invasive.
- Healthcare professionals will ensure the patient’s comfort and provide necessary pain management measures if any discomfort arises.