Is ICD-10-CM code R15 billable?

No, R15 (Fecal incontinence) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code R15 belong to?

R15 belongs to Chapter 18 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: R00–R99 (Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings).

R15Not billable, use a more specific code below

Fecal incontinence

In Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen (R10-R19), chapter 18: Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings

4 billable codes under R15: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Includes: conditions that are coded here

encopresis NOS

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

fecal incontinence of nonorganic origin (F98.1)

Also applies, from Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen (R10-R19)

These notes sit on R10-R19 and apply to every code under it, including R15.

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

congenital or infantile pylorospasm (Q40.0)
gastrointestinal hemorrhage (K92.0-K92.2)
intestinal obstruction (K56.-)
newborn gastrointestinal hemorrhage (P54.0-P54.3)
newborn intestinal obstruction (P76.-)
pylorospasm (K31.3)
signs and symptoms involving the urinary system (R30-R39)
symptoms referable to female genital organs (N94.-)
symptoms referable to male genital organs (N48-N50)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Covers when to report symptom, sign, and abnormal finding codes (R00-R99), plus specific rules for falls, coma scales, non-infectious SIRS, death NOS, and NIHSS scores.

Use of symptom codes (page 75)
Use of a symptom code with a definitive diagnosis code (page 75)
Combination codes that include symptoms (page 75)
Repeated falls (page 76)
Coma (page 76)
Functional quadriplegia (page 76)
SIRS due to Non-Infectious Process (page 77)
Death NOS (page 77)

Read Section I.C.18 (page 75), 1 more topics

All codes under R15

R15 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

R15 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 4 billable codes under R15 group to MS-DRG 391 or 392 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

Other codes that refer to R15

Notes on these codes point to R15.

F98.1 Excludes1: encopresis NOS (R15.-)
K62 Excludes2: fecal incontinence (R15.-)
K62.81 Use Additional Code: code for any associated fecal incontinence (R15.-)
K62.89 Use Additional Code: code for any associated fecal incontinence (R15.-)
N81.6 Use Additional Code: code for any associated fecal incontinence, if applicable (R15.-)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

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.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.