Fecal incontinence (R15) ICD-10-CM
The R15 code range covers fecal incontinence with 5 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 4 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
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
Codes in the R15 Range 5 codes · 4 billable
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the R15 range.
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.
About the R15 Code Range
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.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the R15 range?
Of the 5 codes in this range, 4 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the R15 range classify?
The range classifies fecal incontinence. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
