What is the ICD-10 code for night sweats?

The ICD-10-CM code for night sweats is R61 when documented without further specification. More specific documentation changes the code — see the scenario table.

Yes — R61 is a billable ICD-10-CM code, but payers expect the most specific code the documentation supports.

ICD-10 Code for night sweats

The ICD-10-CM code for night sweats is R61 when documented without further specification. Night sweats and generalized excessive sweating (diaphoresis) code to R61 — a single billable symptom code. It excludes focal/localized hyperhidrosis (L74.5-), which is coded elsewhere.

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Symptom code vs. confirmed diagnosis

R61 is a symptom code for generalized night sweats/diaphoresis with no established cause. Its Excludes1 note redirects focal/localized hyperhidrosis (including Frey's syndrome, L74.52) to L74.5-. When applicable, menopausal/climacteric states (N95.1) are coded first per the code-first note.

Which Code Should You Use?

R61 ✓ Billable — Generalized hyperhidrosis

Generalized hyperhidrosis / night sweats — no more specific cause documented.

What to Document

Generalized vs focal/localized sweating (focal hyperhidrosis is L74.5-, not R61).
Menopausal/climacteric context (sequenced first as N95.1 per the code-first note).
Any underlying condition being evaluated as the cause.
Pattern (night sweats vs constant diaphoresis).

Common Documentation Pitfalls

{'Excludes1': "focal/localized hyperhidrosis (L74.5-) and Frey's syndrome (L74.52) are not R61."}
For menopausal night sweats, sequence N95.1 first per the code-first note, then R61.

Instructional Notes for R61

Excludes1

Not coded here. These conditions should NOT be coded together with R61.

focal (primary) (secondary) hyperhidrosis (L74.5-)
Frey's syndrome (L74.52)
localized (primary) (secondary) hyperhidrosis (L74.5-)

Code First

, if applicable, menopausal and female climacteric states (N95.1)

Also Known As

Official ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index terms that point to R61:

Diaphoresis (excessive)
Sweating, excessive
Hyperhidrosis, hyperidrosis
Sweat, sweats › night
Excess, excessive, excessively › sweating
Night › sweats
Hyperhidrosis, hyperidrosis › generalized
Hyperhidrosis, hyperidrosis › secondary

Coding Notes

R61 covers generalized night sweats and diaphoresis. Focal/localized hyperhidrosis is Excludes1 to L74.5- (Frey's syndrome L74.52). When night sweats are menopausal, the code-first note directs sequencing N95.1 (menopausal/climacteric states) before R61.