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ICD-10 Coding for Tiredness/Fatigue(R53.83, R53.82, G93.32)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Tiredness/Fatigue. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

ExhaustionLethargyWeariness

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Tiredness/Fatigue

R53Primary Range

Malaise and fatigue

This range covers general fatigue conditions, including chronic and acute fatigue.

Postviral fatigue syndrome

Includes chronic fatigue syndrome, specifically ME/CFS.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R53.83Other fatigueUse for unexplained fatigue lasting less than 6 weeks without an identified underlying cause.
  • Normal CBC, TSH, ferritin
  • Absence of chronicity
R53.82Chronic fatigue, unspecifiedUse when fatigue persists for more than 6 weeks and does not meet ME/CFS criteria.
  • Fatigue lasting more than 6 weeks
  • Exclusion of other causes
G93.32Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndromeUse when ME/CFS is diagnosed per CDC criteria.
  • CDC criteria for ME/CFS
  • Exclusion of other conditions

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for chronic fatigue

Essential facts and insights about Tiredness/Fatigue

The ICD-10 code for chronic fatigue is R53.82, used for fatigue lasting more than 6 weeks.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for tired

Other fatigue
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Fatigue less than 6 weeks, no underlying cause

Applicable To

  • Fatigue NOS

Excludes

  • Chronic fatigue syndrome (G93.32)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Normal CBC, TSH, ferritin
  • Absence of chronicity

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using when a more specific code applies.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the duration and lack of underlying cause.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Anemia in neoplastic disease

D63.0
Use when fatigue is secondary to anemia due to neoplasm.

Fatigue due to neoplasm

R53.0
Use when fatigue is directly linked to active malignancy.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Chronic fatigue, unspecified

R53.82
Use R53.82 for fatigue lasting more than 6 weeks.

Chronic fatigue syndrome

G93.32
Use G93.32 if ME/CFS criteria are met.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Tiredness/Fatigue to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R53.83.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate patient history., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include duration in clinical notes., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use R53.82 for chronic fatigue.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of fatigue duration and impact.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates and ensure thorough documentation.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Tiredness/Fatigue, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Tiredness/Fatigue

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Tiredness/Fatigue. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Chronic fatigue evaluation

Specialty: Internal Medicine

Required Elements

  • Duration of fatigue
  • Severity scale
  • Impact on daily activities
  • Laboratory results

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient feels tired.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports fatigue for 9 weeks, severity 7/10, affecting daily tasks. Labs: TSH normal, CBC normal.
Explanation
The good example provides specific duration, severity, and lab results, meeting documentation standards.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Tiredness/Fatigue? Ask your questions below.

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