Understanding General Weakness (Asthenia)? Find information on diagnosing and documenting asthenia, including related ICD-10 codes (R53.81, R53.83), clinical evaluation, and differential diagnosis. Explore resources for healthcare professionals on managing weakness, fatigue, and malaise. Learn about causes, symptoms, and treatment options for generalized weakness. This guide covers medical coding best practices for asthenia and related terms for accurate clinical documentation.
Also known as
Weakness
Generalized weakness, not otherwise specified.
Muscle weakness (generalized)
Generalized muscle weakness, not attributed to other conditions.
Asthenia
Generalized weakness or lack of energy.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is weakness due to a documented medical condition?
Yes
Is the condition neurological?
No
Is weakness due to debility?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
General Weakness |
Asthenia |
Muscle Weakness |
Coding general weakness (R53.1) without sufficient documentation for a more specific diagnosis leads to claim denials and inaccurate quality data.
Focusing solely on weakness may overlook underlying conditions impacting severity and reimbursement. CDI review crucial for complete capture.
Upcoding or falsely documenting general weakness for increased reimbursement poses significant compliance and legal risks.
Patient presents with a chief complaint of generalized weakness, asthenia, fatigue, and malaise. Onset of weakness is reported as gradual progressive over the past [timeframe - e.g., two months]. Patient denies any localized weakness, but describes difficulty with activities of daily living ADLs such as climbing stairs, carrying groceries, and prolonged standing. Review of systems ROS reveals associated symptoms including decreased energy levels, lethargy, and easy fatigability. Patient reports adequate sleep duration but denies restorative sleep. No fever, chills, weight loss, or night sweats are reported. Medical history significant for [relevant medical history - e.g., hypertension, hypothyroidism]. Surgical history includes [surgical history]. Current medications include [list medications]. Physical examination reveals normal vital signs. Neurological examination is grossly unremarkable with no focal deficits noted. Muscle strength is globally reduced, though no distinct atrophy or fasciculations observed. Differential diagnosis includes metabolic disorders, endocrine dysfunction, anemia, vitamin deficiencies, chronic fatigue syndrome CFS, deconditioning, and depression. Initial laboratory workup ordered including complete blood count CBC, comprehensive metabolic panel CMP, thyroid stimulating hormone TSH, and vitamin D levels. Patient education provided regarding energy conservation techniques and importance of follow-up. Plan to evaluate lab results and consider further investigations including Lyme disease testing, autoimmune panel, and referral to specialist if indicated based on initial workup. Diagnosis: General weakness R53.81.