2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R53Malaise and fatigue

ICD-10-CM Codes›R00–R99›R50-R69›R53

ICD-10-CM R53
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

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.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
R53
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Malaise and fatigue
Short Description
Malaise and fatigue
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
R50-R69
General symptoms and signs

Code Classification

ChapterR00–R99Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified
SectionR50-R69General symptoms and signs
CategoryR53Malaise and fatigue
This CodeR53Malaise and fatigue

Specific Coding for Malaise and fatigueOverview

Non-specific codes like R53 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

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

  • Use R53.1 for Weakness

  • Use R53.2 for Functional quadriplegia

  • R53.8 for Other malaise and fatigue

  • Use R53.81 for Other malaise

  • Use R53.82 for Chronic fatigue, unspecified

  • Use R53.83 for Other fatigue

Patient EducationClinical

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.

The full article covers:

  • What is fatigue?
  • What causes fatigue?
  • What can I do to manage fatigue?

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About R53Overview

Is R53 (Malaise and fatigue) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for malaise and fatigue, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for malaise and fatigue need a more specific code from this category, such as R53.0, R53.1, and R53.2.

Can R53 be a principal diagnosis?

Use it with care. This is a symptom code, so once a definitive diagnosis explaining the malaise and fatigue is established, that condition takes the principal position instead.