2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R53Malaise and fatigue
ICD-10-CM Codes›Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00–R99)›General symptoms and signs (R50-R69)›Malaise and fatigue (R53)
R53 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for malaise and fatigue, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as R53.0, R53.1, R53.2, and R53.81. As a symptom code, it should not be used as a principal diagnosis once 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 billable codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for malaise and fatigue:
Code Identity
Code Classification
ICD-10 code R53 covers conditions related to malaise and fatigue, encompassing a range of tiredness and weakness symptoms not directly attributed to specific diseases. These codes help document various types and causes of fatigue for precise medical classification.
The ICD-10 code R53 is used for general malaise and fatigue, while more specific subcodes provide detail on particular forms. For example, R53.0 identifies cancer-related fatigue, describing profound tiredness linked to neoplastic disease or its treatment. R53.1 covers weakness, often referenced as asthenia or fatigue following conditions like stroke. Functional quadriplegia due to neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, is categorized under R53.2. Codes like R53.81 and R53.82 describe general malaise or chronic fatigue syndrome, respectively. Other fatigue types, including exhaustion from overwork or treatment side effects, fall under R53.83. These classifications assist healthcare providers and coders in accurately documenting symptoms related to fatigue and malaise for effective diagnosis and billing.
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 2026 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2025 through 9/30/2026
- FY 2025 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2024 through 9/30/2025
- 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.
