What bowel incontinence ICD codes can I use?
Three are tied to it if you're looking for bowel incontinence ICD codes. Here they are:
R15.9 - Full incontinence of feces
This is the most specific ICD-10 code you're looking for regarding bowel incontinence because it's the only code that mentions incontinence and feces in its name. It's meant for patients who have no control over their bowel movements.
R15.1 - Fecal smearing
One of the characteristics of bowel incontinence is the tendency to have smears of fecal matter in underwear or whatever bottom clothing a person is wearing after taking a dump. Fecal smearing is a frequently observed behavior among individuals with autism that can be particularly difficult to manage. It involves spreading feces on surfaces like walls, furniture, or on the body.
R15.2 - Fecal urgency
Another characteristic of bowel incontinence is the feeling of suddenly emptying your bowels and not making it to the bathroom in time. If this is the case for your patient with bowel incontinence, this ICD-10 code applies to them.
Bowel incontinence is a symptom of a specific condition like diarrhea and constipation, so it's best to use a particular ICD-10 code as a principal diagnosis. Then, these three can be used to support it and further explain the patient's health status.