Fecal incontinence (R15)
ICD-10 code R15 covers various forms of fecal incontinence, which means difficulty controlling bowel movements leading to involuntary stool leakage. The codes range from incomplete passage of stool to complete loss of bowel control.
The general ICD-10 code for fecal incontinence (R15) includes specific subcategories to accurately document different symptoms. For example, R15.0 refers to incomplete defecation, also known as alteration in bowel elimination or abnormal defecation when stool is partially passed. R15.1 documents fecal smearing, often called fecal soiling, which involves minor leakage of stool. R15.2 relates to fecal urgency, describing a sudden, strong need to have a bowel movement. The code R15.9 identifies full incontinence of feces, synonymous with complete fecal incontinence or loss of awareness of stool passage. These distinctions help medical coders choose the correct ICD-10 code for precise patient records and billing related to bowel control disorders.
Instructional Notations
Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
- encopresis NOS
Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
- fecal incontinence of nonorganic origin F98.1
Clinical Terms
The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.
Encopresis
Incontinence of feces not due to organic defect or illness.
Fecal Incontinence
Failure of voluntary control of the anal sphincters, with involuntary passage of feces and flatus.
