2025 ICD-10-CM code R15
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Symptoms - Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen (R10-R19) Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99) Feed
Fecal incontinence; involuntary passage of stool.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the encounter and the services performed. Consult the appropriate modifier guidelines for details.
Medical necessity is established when the patient demonstrates symptoms of fecal incontinence, impacting their quality of life, and interventions are necessary to improve their condition.The level of intervention (e.g., medication, surgery) is guided by the severity and underlying cause.
Diagnosis and management of fecal incontinence involves a thorough history, physical examination, and potentially investigations to identify the underlying cause.Treatment strategies can be tailored to the specific etiology, including dietary changes, medication, physical therapy (pelvic floor exercises), biofeedback, and in some cases, surgery.
- Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99)
- R10-R19
In simple words: Fecal incontinence means you can't always control your bowel movements, and stool may leak unexpectedly. This can happen sometimes or frequently, and there are many reasons why it occurs.
Fecal incontinence, also known as bowel incontinence, refers to the involuntary passage of stool.This can range from occasional leakage of small amounts of stool to complete loss of bowel control.Underlying causes are varied and can include nerve damage, muscle weakness, and various gastrointestinal disorders.The condition's severity varies significantly, impacting the patient's daily life and emotional well-being.
Example 1: A 65-year-old woman with a history of multiple sclerosis experiences episodes of fecal incontinence, often without any prior urge. This is passive fecal incontinence related to neurological damage., A 30-year-old woman reports fecal leakage after childbirth due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. This post-partum issue is managed with pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle modifications., A 70-year-old man with chronic constipation experiences overflow incontinence, where liquid stool leaks around impacted, hard stool. Treatment focuses on managing the constipation.
Detailed patient history including bowel habits, medications, and relevant medical conditions; physical examination noting anal sphincter tone and rectal examination findings;laboratory studies, such as stool analysis; imaging studies (e.g., anorectal manometry, ultrasound) as clinically indicated; and documentation of the chosen treatment plan and its effectiveness.
** This code encompasses a wide spectrum of fecal incontinence severity and causes. Accurate coding requires a thorough understanding of the patient's presentation and the underlying pathophysiology.Consult with qualified coding specialists for complex cases.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Gastroenterology, Colorectal Surgery, Neurology, Geriatrics
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient), Skilled Nursing Facility