Postviral fatigue syndrome

This code represents a chronic and debilitating condition characterized by persistent, unexplained fatigue following a viral illness. Patients experience significant reduction in activity levels, often accompanied by other symptoms such as cognitive dysfunction, sleep disturbances, and post-exertional malaise. The diagnosis is typically made after excluding other medical conditions that could explain the fatigue.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of postviral fatigue syndrome, particularly when the onset of symptoms can be directly linked to a preceding viral infection. This code is appropriate for chronic fatigue that persists for at least six months and significantly impacts daily functioning, following a documented viral illness.

• Ensure documentation clearly links the fatigue to a preceding viral illness.
• Do not confuse with general chronic fatigue (R53.82) or myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (G93.32), which has broader diagnostic criteria.
• Code any associated symptoms (e.g., cognitive impairment, sleep disorders) separately as secondary diagnoses.