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ICD-10 Coding for Tiredness(R53.83, R53.82, G93.32, R53.0)

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

Also known as:

FatigueExhaustionLethargy

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Tiredness

R53Primary Range

Malaise and fatigue

This range includes codes for various types of fatigue, including idiopathic and chronic fatigue.

Other disorders of brain

Includes codes for 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 when fatigue is idiopathic and impacts daily activities for at least 2 weeks.
  • Fatigue persisting for ≥2 weeks
  • Normal lab results (CBC, TSH)
R53.82Chronic fatigue, unspecifiedUse when chronic fatigue is present but ME/CFS criteria are not met.
  • Fatigue lasting ≥6 weeks without meeting ME/CFS criteria
G93.32Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndromeUse when ME/CFS criteria are met, including PEM and cognitive impairment.
  • Presence of post-exertional malaise
  • Fatigue lasting ≥6 months
R53.0Neoplasm related fatigueUse when fatigue is directly caused by a malignancy.
  • Fatigue directly linked to malignancy

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 tiredness

Essential facts and insights about Tiredness

The ICD-10 code for idiopathic tiredness is R53.83, used when fatigue impacts daily activities and no specific cause is identified.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for tiredness

Other fatigue
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Fatigue not explained by exertion or other conditions

Applicable To

  • Idiopathic fatigue

Excludes

  • Fatigue due to depression (F32-F33)
  • Fatigue due to neoplasm (R53.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Fatigue persisting for ≥2 weeks
  • Normal lab results (CBC, TSH)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misuse when a more specific cause is identified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies idiopathic nature and duration.

Ancillary Codes

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

Depressive disorders

F32-F33
Use when fatigue is associated with depression.

Orthostatic hypotension

I95.1
Use when orthostatic intolerance is present with ME/CFS.

Differential Codes

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

Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified

F32.9
Use when fatigue is due to depression.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome

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

Chronic fatigue, unspecified

R53.82
Use when ME/CFS criteria are not fully met.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms like 'chronic' or 'persistent'., Document associated symptoms and duration.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect reimbursement levels., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Identify and code the underlying cause first, such as depression or neoplasm.

Impact

Risk of audit if fatigue is coded without clear documentation of idiopathic nature and duration.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of fatigue's impact and duration.

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, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Tiredness

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

Chronic fatigue assessment

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Onset and duration of fatigue
  • Impact on daily activities
  • Associated symptoms like PEM
  • Lab results (CBC, TSH)

Example Documentation

Patient reports fatigue persisting for 8 weeks, unrelieved by rest. PEM occurs after minimal exertion. Labs normal.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient feels tired.
Good Documentation Example
Fatigue persists ≥8 weeks despite 7-9hr nightly sleep. Patient reports inability to work due to PEM lasting >24hr after grocery shopping.
Explanation
The good example provides specific duration, impact, and associated symptoms, meeting documentation requirements.

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

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