2025 ICD-10-CM code M62.81
Generalized muscle weakness.
Medical necessity for M62.81 is established when the generalized muscle weakness significantly impacts the patient's ability to perform daily activities and requires medical intervention.
Clinicians diagnose generalized muscle weakness based on medical history, physical examination, blood tests (to exclude inflammatory conditions), electromyography (EMG), muscle biopsy, and imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans). Treatment includes symptomatic care, physical therapy, braces for weakened muscles, and occupational therapy.
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99)
- M62.8 Other specified disorders of muscleM62 Disorders of musclesM60-M79 Soft tissue disordersM00-M99 Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
In simple words: This code represents a condition where the muscles all over your body feel weaker than usual.It's not just in one spot, but a general feeling of weakness.
Generalized muscle weakness, not limited to a particular area.
Example 1: A 45-year-old patient presents with fatigue and diffuse muscle weakness affecting all extremities, making daily tasks difficult. After ruling out other causes, the physician diagnoses generalized muscle weakness., A patient with a history of lupus experiences new-onset, widespread muscle weakness.Blood tests confirm a lupus flare-up as the likely cause of the generalized muscle weakness., Following a viral infection, a patient complains of persistent weakness in their arms and legs. The doctor documents generalized muscle weakness as a post-viral complication.
Documentation should include details of the muscle weakness, including onset, location, severity, and associated symptoms. Diagnostic testing results (e.g., blood tests, EMG, biopsy, imaging) and treatment plan should also be documented.
** For cases involving trauma, use an external cause code following M62.81 to specify the cause of the muscle weakness.
- Specialties:Neurology, Physiatry (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation), Internal Medicine, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Skilled Nursing Facility