ICD10BillableValid for clinical use

ICD-10 Code R15.1: Fecal smearing

R15.1 is a billable ICD-10 diagnosis code used to classify Fecal smearing in medical records and claims. You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records. ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99).

When is it used?

  • May be used when a clinician documents fecal smearing in a patient's medical record.
  • May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
  • This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.

What it does not mean

  • A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
  • A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.

Code hierarchy

chapter
18Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99)
block
R10-R19Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen
category
R15Fecal incontinence
currentR15

Official coding notes

Inclusion terms
  • Fecal soiling

Where you may see this code

You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.

Related specialists

General PhysicianENT Specialist

Coverage-related procedures and services

CPT 51785high
NEEDLE ELECTROMYOGRAPHY STUDIES (EMG) OF ANAL OR URETHRAL SPHINCTER, ANY TECHNIQUE
Source: CMS coverage guidance
HCPCS G0255high
CURRENT PERCEPTION THRESHOLD/SENSORY NERVE CONDUCTION TEST, (SNCT) PER LIMB, ANY NERVE
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 95873high
ELECTRICAL STIMULATION FOR GUIDANCE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHEMODENERVATION (LIST SEPARATELY IN ADDITION TO CODE FOR PRIMARY PROCEDURE)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 51784high
ELECTROMYOGRAPHY STUDIES (EMG) OF ANAL OR URETHRAL SPHINCTER, OTHER THAN NEEDLE, ANY TECHNIQUE
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 95905high
MOTOR AND/OR SENSORY NERVE CONDUCTION, USING PRECONFIGURED ELECTRODE ARRAY(S), AMPLITUDE AND LATENCY/VELOCITY STUDY, EACH LIMB, INCLUDES F-WAVE STUDY WHEN PERFORMED, WITH INTERPRETATION AND REPORT
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 95874high
NEEDLE ELECTROMYOGRAPHY FOR GUIDANCE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHEMODENERVATION (LIST SEPARATELY IN ADDITION TO CODE FOR PRIMARY PROCEDURE)
Source: CMS coverage guidance

Coding guidelines

Common synonyms

Fecal smearing

Frequently asked questions

Code details

CodeR15.1
SystemICD10
Display nameFecal smearing
ChapterSymptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99)
BlockSymptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen

Flags

BillableYes
Valid clinical useYes

Source

SourceICD-10
Version2026-annual
Releaseannual
Year2026

Index terms

Matched terms
FecalFecalSmearing, fecal

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.

ICD-10 Code R15.1 for Fecal smearing | HealthAssure