R53 - Malaise and fatigue

Version 2023
No Valid Principal Dx
ICD-10:R53
Short Description:Malaise and fatigue
Long Description:Malaise and fatigue
Status: Not Valid for Submission
Version:ICD-10-CM 2023
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)

R53 is a non-specific and non-billable ICD-10 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 2023 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 for 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 codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for malaise and fatigue:

  • BILLABLE CODE - Use R53.0 for Neoplastic (malignant) related fatigue
  • BILLABLE CODE - Use R53.1 for Weakness
  • BILLABLE CODE - Use R53.2 for Functional quadriplegia
  • NON-BILLABLE CODE - R53.8 for Other malaise and fatigue
  • 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

Patient Education


Fatigue

Everyone feels tired now and then. Sometimes you may just want to stay in bed. But, after a good night's sleep, most people feel refreshed and ready to face a new day. If you continue to feel tired for weeks, it's time to see your doctor. He or she may be able to help you find out what's causing your fatigue and recommend ways to relieve it.

Fatigue itself is not a disease. Medical problems, treatments, and personal habits can add to fatigue. These include:

One disorder that causes extreme fatigue is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). This fatigue is not the kind of tired feeling that goes away after you rest. Instead, it lasts a long time and limits your ability to do ordinary daily activities.

NIH: National Institute on Aging


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History