Question

I knew you would be able to help! My apologies for not giving you enough information. I live in Southern California and these impatiens have lasted for over 20 years and usually bloom most of the year, although more so in the summer. They seem to root and grow easily (in fact outside my gate they are in full bloom just from wind transfer or whatever) but the stalks are quite fragile and will break without much pressure. Should I just pull them all up after taking some cuttings and hope the cutting take hold? Thanks again
Ann
The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Hi,
 Recently I was told that my impatiens (which are outside)are suffering from root rot. I'm glad to know what the problem is but I don't know how to solve the problem. What am I supposed to do to correct it? I know you are an expert in contasiner plants but from my past experience with you, I think you'll be able to help me. Thank you for your time and effort,
Sincerely,
Ann
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It would be helpful if I knew what climate zone you are in, and what variety you are growing. Impatiens are not hardy. So, it is my guess that your plants are suffering from the winter cold, and damp. Impatiens are usually grown as annuals. It is possible to grow them in a greenhouse or solarium, where they get bright light, and warm temperatures. It is my experience, that the plants I have tried to "save"  in the greenhouse, were tired, and gangly.
It is better to just start with fresh plants, in the spring.
If your plants do have root rot, there is nothing you can do to correct it. You can take cutting from the plants, and try to root them in water or a growing medium, indoors in bright light. Then replant them in the spring, when the temperatures are warm. Give them good soil, with excellent drainage, and fertilize them when you water.(except, don't  fertilize if the temperature is over 100 degrees.)

I am sorry that I don't have better news about your plants, but even though impatiens aren't good perennials, they are still one of the best annuals you can plant each spring.
bakerplanter

Answer
I thought you might be in that wonderful, tropical zone. It sounds like you might be seeing the results of a wet, colder the usual, winter this year.
I would take cuttings first. Then look for fresh new leaves at the base of the plants. Cut the plants down all the way to those leaves. The new plants will start from there. If the plants are black, or discolored in any way, then pull them out. They are rotted, and will not produce a healthy plant. You can replace these discarded plants with the new, rooted, cuttings. March is also a good time to start seeds. You can sprinkle them on the bare soil that has been roughed a bit, and let the spring rains get them started.

bakerplanter