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  6. 2025 ICD-10-CM Code R53

2025 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R53

Malaise and fatigue

ICD-10-CM Code:
R53
ICD-10 Code for:
Malaise and fatigue
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

R53 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of malaise and fatigue. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2025 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

According to ICD-10-CM guidelines this code should not to be used as a principal diagnosis code when a related definitive diagnosis has been established.

Specific Coding Applicable to Malaise and fatigue

Non-specific codes like R53 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for malaise and fatigue:

  • Use R53.0 for Neoplastic (malignant) related fatigue - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use R53.1 for Weakness - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use R53.2 for Functional quadriplegia - BILLABLE CODE

  • R53.8 for Other malaise and fatigue - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use R53.81 for Other malaise - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use R53.82 for Chronic fatigue, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use R53.83 for Other fatigue - BILLABLE CODE

Code Classification

  • Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified
    R00–R99
    • General symptoms and signs
      R50-R69
      • Malaise and fatigue
        R53

Patient Education


Fatigue

What is fatigue?

Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy. It can interfere with your usual daily activities. Fatigue can be a normal response to physical activity, emotional stress, boredom, or lack of sleep. But sometimes it can be a sign of a mental or physical condition. If you have been feeling tired for weeks, contact your health care provider. They can help you find out what's causing your fatigue and recommend ways to relieve it.

What causes fatigue?

Fatigue itself is not a disease; it's a symptom. It can have many different causes, including pregnancy and various medical problems, treatments, and lifestyle habits such as:

  • Medical problems:
    • Chronic (long-lasting) diseases such as diabetes, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and heart, liver, kidney and thyroid diseases
    • Untreated pain and diseases like fibromyalgia
    • Anemia
    • Infections
    • Parkinson's disease
    • Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders
    • Recent stroke
    • Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety
  • Treatments:
    • Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and bone marrow transplants
    • Recovering from major surgery
    • Taking certain medicines, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, and medicines for nausea and pain
  • Lifestyle habits:
    • Not getting enough sleep
    • Staying up too late
    • Drinking too much alcohol
    • Substance use
    • Having too much caffeine (which can keep you from getting a good night's sleep)
    • Getting too little or too much exercise

Overwhelming fatigue is part of a disorder called myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The fatigue caused by this disorder is different from a tired feeling that goes away after you rest. Instead, the fatigue in ME/CFS lasts a long time, does not get better with rest, and limits your ability to do ordinary daily activities.

What can I do to manage fatigue?

If you've had fatigue that does not get better after several weeks, call your provider. They will ask questions about your sleep, daily activities, appetite, and exercise. They will likely do a physical exam and order lab tests. Once they decide on a diagnosis, they can tell you what treatments might help.

You can also make some lifestyle changes to feel less tired:

  • Get regular physical activity
  • Improve your sleep habits
  • Stop smoking (if you smoke), since smoking is linked to many diseases that can cause fatigue
  • Manage stress
  • Eat a healthy diet and avoid alcohol

It also may be helpful for you to keep a fatigue diary. This can help you find patterns throughout the day, such as when you feel more tired and when you have more energy. It can also help you plan for activities that may give you more energy.

NIH: National Institute on Aging


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.