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ICD-10 Coding for Extreme Fatigue(R53.83, R53.0, G93.32)

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

Also known as:

Chronic FatigueSevere FatigueFatigue Syndrome

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Extreme Fatigue

R53Primary Range

Malaise and fatigue

This range includes codes for various types of fatigue, including unspecified and neoplasm-related fatigue.

Postviral fatigue syndrome

This range is relevant for fatigue persisting after viral infections, including 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 severe but no specific underlying cause is confirmed.
  • Documented duration and severity of fatigue
  • Impact on activities of daily living (ADLs)
  • Exclusion of other causes such as anemia or thyroid dysfunction
R53.0Neoplasm-related fatigueUse when fatigue is directly tied to cancer or its treatment.
  • Confirmed diagnosis of neoplasm
  • Documentation of fatigue as a direct result of cancer or its treatment
G93.32Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)Use when ME/CFS diagnostic criteria are met.
  • Presence of post-exertional malaise
  • Unrefreshing sleep
  • Cognitive impairment
  • + 1 more

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 extreme fatigue

Essential facts and insights about Extreme Fatigue

The ICD-10 code for extreme fatigue is R53.83, used when no specific underlying cause is identified.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for extreme fatigue

Other fatigue
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Fatigue lasting more than 6 months with no specific cause identified.

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed documentation of fatigue's impact on daily life and exclusion of other conditions.

Applicable To

  • Chronic fatigue, unspecified

Excludes

  • Fatigue due to neoplastic disease (R53.0)
  • Postviral fatigue syndrome (G93.3)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented duration and severity of fatigue
  • Impact on activities of daily living (ADLs)
  • Exclusion of other causes such as anemia or thyroid dysfunction

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of undercoding if a more specific cause is identified later.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports the use of R53.83 by ruling out more specific conditions.

Ancillary Codes

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

Anemia in neoplastic disease

D63.0
Use with R53.0 if anemia contributes to fatigue.

Differential Codes

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

Neoplasm-related fatigue

R53.0
Use when fatigue is directly related to cancer or its treatment.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)

G93.32
Use when diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS are met, including post-exertional malaise.

Other fatigue

R53.83
Use when fatigue is not related to cancer.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Extreme 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: May lead to incorrect diagnosis and treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit and non-compliance., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use a checklist to ensure all potential causes are considered., Regularly update documentation templates.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement if specificity is not captured., Compliance: Risk of audit if documentation does not support code choice., Data Quality: Impacts data accuracy and quality for patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Review patient history and documentation to ensure the most specific code is used.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing can affect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Leads to inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure the underlying condition is coded first, followed by fatigue.

Impact

Inaccurate documentation can lead to coding errors and audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular training and audits of documentation practices.

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

Documentation Templates for Extreme Fatigue

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

Chronic Fatigue in Primary Care

Specialty: Family Medicine

Required Elements

  • Fatigue Severity
  • Duration
  • Impact on ADLs
  • Associated Symptoms
  • Ruled Out Conditions

Example Documentation

Fatigue Severity: 8/10, Duration: 6 months, Impact on ADLs: Unable to work, Associated Symptoms: Post-exertional malaise, Ruled Out: Anemia, Hypothyroidism.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient reports fatigue.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports severe fatigue persisting for 6 months, impacting daily activities, with post-exertional malaise and unrefreshing sleep.
Explanation
The good example provides detailed information on duration, severity, and impact, which supports accurate coding.

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

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