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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR15.9

R15.9

Full incontinence of feces

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R15.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of full incontinence of feces.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Full incontinence of feces, classified under ICD-10 code R15.9, refers to the complete inability to control bowel movements, resulting in involuntary passage of feces. This condition can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and may be associated with various underlying medical issues. Symptoms may include frequent, uncontrollable urges to defecate, leakage of stool, and the inability to reach a toilet in time. The condition can arise from a range of causes, including neurological disorders (such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries), gastrointestinal diseases (like inflammatory bowel disease), or complications from surgeries affecting the rectum or anus. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical history, physical examination, and may include diagnostic tests such as colonoscopy or imaging studies to identify any anatomical or functional abnormalities. Management strategies may vary from dietary modifications and pelvic floor exercises to medications or surgical interventions, depending on the underlying cause.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes requiring thorough evaluation
  • Potential overlap with other gastrointestinal disorders
  • Need for detailed documentation of symptoms and history
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on etiology

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying cause
  • Failure to specify the severity or frequency of incontinence
  • Misuse of related codes leading to incorrect coding
  • Lack of supporting clinical evidence for the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history, including onset, duration, and associated symptoms; documentation of any diagnostic tests performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic diarrhea, recent surgeries, or neurological symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of comorbidities such as diabetes or neurological disorders that may contribute to fecal incontinence.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute presentation details, including vital signs, immediate interventions, and any relevant imaging or lab results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute abdominal pain and fecal incontinence, possibly due to bowel obstruction or severe infection.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment of potential surgical emergencies and documentation of any immediate treatments provided.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R15.9 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation
  • Use R15
  • 9 when fecal incontinence is present without a specified underlying condition
  • Ensure that the documentation reflects the severity and frequency of symptoms

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R15.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

45378CPT Code

Colonoscopy, flexible, diagnostic

Clinical Scenario

Used when evaluating for underlying causes of fecal incontinence.

Documentation Requirements

Indication for the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Gastroenterology specialists may perform this procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fecal incontinence, improving the ability to capture the complexity of the condition and its underlying causes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fecal incontinence, improving the ability to capture the complexity of the condition and its underlying causes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fecal incontinence, improving the ability to capture the complexity of the condition and its underlying causes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between R15.9 and R15.0?

R15.9 is used for full incontinence of feces without a specified underlying condition, while R15.0 is for fecal incontinence that is unspecified. R15.9 requires more detailed documentation of the condition.