Malingerer [conscious simulation]

This code represents the conscious and intentional feigning or exaggeration of physical or psychological symptoms for an external incentive. It involves a deliberate deception where an individual fabricates illness or injury to achieve a tangible benefit, such as avoiding work, obtaining drugs, or evading legal consequences. Unlike factitious disorder, the motivation for malingering is clearly external and identifiable.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states a patient is malingering, meaning they are consciously simulating or exaggerating symptoms for a clear external gain. This often arises in forensic settings, disability evaluations, or when there's a strong suspicion of symptom fabrication to avoid responsibilities or obtain specific benefits.

• Ensure documentation clearly supports conscious simulation for external gain, not an unconscious process or a genuine disorder.
• Do not use this code if the primary motivation is to assume the sick role without obvious external incentives; consider factitious disorder codes instead.
• This code is typically a secondary diagnosis, often accompanying codes for the actual symptoms or conditions being feigned, if any are present.