Weakness, often referred to as a lack of strength or vigor, is a common symptom that individuals may experience at some point in their lives. In the world of medical coding and diagnosis, this symptom is classified under ICD-10-CM code R53.1. This code serves as a crucial tool for healthcare professionals to accurately document and communicate patients’ conditions, ensuring effective treatment and management.
2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R53.1
- R53.1 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
- The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM R53.1 became effective on October 1, 2023.
- This is the American ICD-10-CM version of R53.1 – other international versions of ICD-10 R53.1 may differ.
Applicable To
- Asthenia NOS
Type 1 Excludes
- age-related weakness (R54)
- muscle weakness (generalized) (M62.81)
- sarcopenia (M62.84)
- senile asthenia (R54)
The following code(s) above R53.1 contain annotation back-references that may be applicable to R53.1:
- R00-R99
- Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified
Approximate Synonyms
- Arm weakness, both sides
- Asthenia
- Late effects of stroke, weakness of arms, legs
- Leg weakness, both sides
- Weakness as a late effect of stroke
- Weakness as late effects of cerebrovascular accident
- Weakness of bilateral hands
- Weakness of bilateral legs
- Weakness of both arms
- Weakness of left arm
- Weakness of left hand
- Weakness of left leg
- Weakness of right arm
- Weakness of right hand
- Weakness of right leg
- Weakness, late effect of stroke
Clinical Information
- A sign or symptom of weakness and diminished or absent energy and strength.
- Clinical signs or symptoms manifested as debility or lack or loss of strength and energy.
- Physical weakness, lack of strength and vitality, or a lack of concentration.
- The property of lacking physical or mental strength; liability to failure under pressure or stress or strain. (wordnet)
- Weakness; lack of energy and strength.
ICD-10-CM R53.1 is grouped within Diagnostic Related Group(s) (MS-DRG v41.0):
- 947 Signs and symptoms with mcc
- 948 Signs and symptoms without mcc
Convert R53.1 to ICD-9-CM Code History
- 2016 (effective 10/1/2015): New code (first year of non-draft ICD-10-CM)
- 2017 (effective 10/1/2016): No change
- 2018 (effective 10/1/2017): No change
- 2019 (effective 10/1/2018): No change
- 2020 (effective 10/1/2019): No change
- 2021 (effective 10/1/2020): No change
- 2022 (effective 10/1/2021): No change
- 2023 (effective 10/1/2022): No change
- 2024 (effective 10/1/2023): No change
Common Underlying Causes
Generalized weakness can be a manifestation of various underlying medical conditions, making it a challenging symptom to diagnose and manage. To provide a comprehensive overview, let’s explore some of the common causes associated with ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R53.1:
- Muscular Disorders (M60-M63): Weakness can result from muscle-related conditions such as myopathy, muscular dystrophy, or muscle inflammation (myositis). These conditions can lead to muscle wasting and a subsequent decrease in physical strength.
- Neurological Disorders (G00-G99): Neurological conditions like neuropathy, multiple sclerosis (MS), or motor neuron diseases can cause muscle weakness due to impaired nerve function. These conditions disrupt the transmission of signals from the brain to the muscles, leading to weakness.
- Metabolic Disorders (E70-E90): Metabolic disorders, including thyroid dysfunction (e.g., hypothyroidism), electrolyte imbalances, and adrenal gland disorders, can affect the body’s energy production and result in weakness.
- Cardiovascular Conditions (I00-I99): Heart diseases, such as congestive heart failure and arrhythmias, can reduce the blood supply to muscles, leading to weakness and fatigue.
- Nutritional Deficiencies (E40-E64): Inadequate intake of essential nutrients, particularly vitamins and minerals, can lead to muscle weakness. Deficiencies in vitamins like B12 and D or minerals like potassium can impair muscle function.
- Infections (A00-B99): Some infections, such as viral illnesses or bacterial infections, can cause weakness as a part of their clinical presentation. For example, post-viral fatigue is a common cause of weakness.
- Psychological Factors (F00-F99): Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety can manifest with physical symptoms, including weakness. The mind-body connection plays a significant role in these cases.
ICD-10 codes related to weakness
1. Musculoskeletal Disorders (M00-M99):
- Muscular dystrophy (M62.9)
- Osteoarthritis (M15)
- Osteoporosis (M81.0)
- Rheumatoid arthritis (M05.9)
- Polymyalgia rheumatica (M35.3)
2. Neurological Disorders (G00-G99):
- Stroke (G81)
- Multiple sclerosis (G35)
- Myasthenia gravis (G70.0)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (G12.21)
- Guillain-Barré syndrome (G61.0)
3. Endocrine Disorders (E00-E90):
- Hypothyroidism (E03.9)
- Hyperthyroidism (E05.9)
- Diabetes mellitus (E11.9)
- Addison’s disease (E27.0)
4. Cardiovascular Disorders (I00-I99):
- Heart failure (I50.9)
- Hypertension (I10)
- Atherosclerosis (I70.90)
- Arrhythmia (I49.9)
- Peripheral vascular disease (I73.9)
5. Respiratory Disorders (J00-J99):
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (J44.9)
- Asthma (J45.909)
- Pneumonia (J18.9)
- Sleep apnea (G47.30)
- Interstitial lung disease (J84.9)
6. Infectious Diseases (A00-B99):
- HIV/AIDS (B20)
- Lyme disease (A69.20)
- Tuberculosis (A15.9)
- Influenza (J09)
7. Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders (E00-E90):
- Malnutrition (E46)
- Vitamin deficiency (E56.9)
- Anemia (D64.9)
8. Mental Health Disorders (F01-F99):
- Depression (F32.9)
- Anxiety disorders (F41.9)
- Bipolar disorder (F31.9)
- Schizophrenia (F20.9)
9. Gastrointestinal Disorders (K00-K95):
- Malabsorption syndrome (K90.9)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (K58.9)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (K21.9)
- Crohn’s disease (K50.90)
- Ulcerative colitis (K51.90)
10. Renal and Urinary Disorders (N00-N99):
- Chronic kidney disease (N18.9)
- Urinary tract infection (UTI) (N39.0)
- Kidney stones (N20.9)
