2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R15Fecal incontinence

ICD-10-CM Codes›R00–R99›R10-R19›R15

ICD-10-CM R15
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

R15 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for fecal incontinence, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as R15.0, R15.1, R15.2, and R15.9. As a symptom code, it should not be used as a principal diagnosis once a related definitive diagnosis has been established.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
R15
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Fecal incontinence
Chapter
R10-R19
Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen

Code Classification

ChapterR00–R99Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified
SectionR10-R19Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen
CategoryR15Fecal incontinence
This CodeR15Fecal incontinence

Specific Coding for Fecal incontinenceOverview

Non-specific codes like R15 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use R15.0 for Incomplete defecation

  • Use R15.1 for Fecal smearing

  • Use R15.2 for Fecal urgency

  • Use R15.9 for Full incontinence of feces

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Includes

  • encopresis NOS

Type 1 Excludes

  • fecal incontinence of nonorganic origin F98.1

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Fecal Incontinence

    failure of voluntary control of the anal sphincters, with involuntary passage of feces and flatus.

Patient EducationClinical

Bowel Incontinence

Bowel incontinence is the inability to control your bowels. When you feel the urge to have a bowel movement, you may not be able to hold it until you get to a toilet. Millions of Americans have this problem. It affects people of all ages - children and adults. It is more common in women and older adults. It is not a normal part of aging.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About R15Overview

Is R15 (Fecal incontinence) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for fecal incontinence, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for fecal incontinence need a more specific code from this category, such as R15.0, R15.1, and R15.2.

Can R15 be a principal diagnosis?

Use it with care. This is a symptom code, so once a definitive diagnosis explaining the fecal incontinence is established, that condition takes the principal position instead.