M62.81: Muscle weakness (generalized)
Billable ICD-10-CM code, FY2027
What ICD-10-CM says
Excludes1 (never coded with M62.81)
- muscle weakness in sarcopenia (M62.84)
Notes at M62.8, Other specified disorders of muscle (they apply to every code under it)
Excludes2 (not part of M62.81; both may be coded)
- nontraumatic hematoma of muscle (M79.81)
What M62.81 covers
M62.81 is for generalized muscle weakness when no more specific cause is documented. It is common in physical and occupational therapy, home health, and primary care for older adults.
It sits in M62.8 with other muscle codes such as muscle spasm (M62.83) and sarcopenia (M62.84). General weakness or asthenia, rather than muscle weakness, is coded R53.1.
Billing and coding notes
M62.81 has an excludes1 for muscle weakness in sarcopenia (M62.84). If the provider diagnoses sarcopenia, code M62.84 and not M62.81.
The M62.8 subcategory has an excludes2 for nontraumatic hematoma of muscle (M79.81). When weakness is part of a diagnosed condition, such as the after-effects of a stroke, code the condition rather than adding M62.81 as a routine symptom.
Related codes under M62.8
Questions about M62.81
What is the difference between M62.81 and R53.1?
M62.81 is generalized muscle weakness. R53.1 is weakness in a broader sense, such as asthenia. Code what the provider documents.
Can M62.81 and M62.84 be coded together?
No. Muscle weakness in sarcopenia is an excludes1 at M62.81, so use M62.84 alone when sarcopenia is diagnosed.
ICD-10-CM in CloudMedico
In CloudMedico, a visit's diagnoses come from the current ICD-10-CM list. For US practices, the visit flags a code that isn't billable on its date, and a superbill made from an invoice carries the visit's diagnoses.
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