R15.9: Full incontinence of feces
R15.9, full incontinence of feces, is listed as a covered diagnosis in 12 Medicare billing and coding articles that apply to 22 HCPCS Level II codes, including A4290 (Sacral nerve stimulation test lead, each), C1767 (Generator, neurostimulator (implantable), non-rechargeable), C1778 (Lead, neurostimulator (implantable)). 1 of these codes has a 2026 DMEPOS fee schedule amount; L8678 pays $11.40 to $31.64 depending on the state. The articles come from 5 Medicare contractors. A listed diagnosis supports medical necessity only; coverage still depends on the LCD's criteria and on documentation in the medical record.
HCPCS Level II codes with R15.9 as a covered diagnosis
| Code | Description | Medicare coverage | DMEPOS fee 2026 (state range) | Articles listing it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A4290 | Sacral nerve stimulation test lead, each | Carrier judgment | — | 3 |
| C1767 | Generator, neurostimulator (implantable), non-rechargeable | Special coverage instructions apply | — | 3 |
| C1778 | Lead, neurostimulator (implantable) | Special coverage instructions apply | — | 3 |
| C1883 | Adapter/extension, pacing lead or neurostimulator lead (implantable) | Special coverage instructions apply | — | 3 |
| C1897 | Lead, neurostimulator test kit (implantable) | Special coverage instructions apply | — | 3 |
| C1820 | Generator, neurostimulator (implantable), with rechargeable battery and charging system | Special coverage instructions apply | — | 2 |
| L8678 | Electrical stimulator supplies (external) for use with implantable neurostimulator, per month | Carrier judgment | $11.40–$31.64 | 1 |
| G0283 | Electrical stimulation (unattended), to one or more areas for indication(s) other than wound care, as part of a therapy plan of care | Carrier judgment | — | 3 |
| G0281 | Electrical stimulation, (unattended), to one or more areas, for chronic stage iii and stage iv pressure ulcers, arterial ulcers, diabetic ulcers, and venous stasis ulcers not demonstrating measurable signs of healing after 30 days of conventional care, as part of a therapy plan of care | Carrier judgment | — | 2 |
| G0329 | Electromagnetic therapy, to one or more areas for chronic stage iii and stage iv pressure ulcers, arterial ulcers, diabetic ulcers and venous stasis ulcers not demonstrating measurable signs of healing after 30 days of conventional care as part of a therapy plan of care | Carrier judgment | — | 2 |
| A9585 | Injection, gadobutrol, 0.1 ml | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| Q9953 | Injection, iron-based magnetic resonance contrast agent, per ml | Special coverage instructions apply | — | 1 |
| G0152 | Services performed by a qualified occupational therapist in the home health or hospice setting, each 15 minutes | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| G0158 | Services performed by a qualified occupational therapist assistant in the home health or hospice setting, each 15 minutes | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| G0160 | Services performed by a qualified occupational therapist, in the home health setting, in the establishment or delivery of a safe and effective occupational therapy maintenance program, each 15 minutes | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| G2169 | Services performed by an occupational therapist assistant in the home health setting in the delivery of a safe and effective occupational therapy maintenance program, each 15 minutes | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| G2010 | Remote evaluation of recorded video and/or images submitted by an established patient (e.g., store and forward), including interpretation with follow-up with the patient within 24 business hours, not originating from a related e/m service provided within the previous 7 days nor leading to an e/m service or procedure within the next 24 hours or soonest available appointment | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| G2250 | Remote assessment of recorded video and/or images submitted by an established patient (e.g., store and forward), including interpretation with follow-up with the patient within 24 business hours, not originating from a related service provided within the previous 7 days nor leading to a service or procedure within the next 24 hours or soonest available appointment | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| G2251 | Brief communication technology-based service, e.g. virtual check-in, by a qualified health care professional who cannot report evaluation and management services, provided to an established patient, not originating from a related service provided within the previous 7 days nor leading to a service or procedure within the next 24 hours or soonest available appointment; 5-10 minutes of clinical discussion | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| G0151 | Services performed by a qualified physical therapist in the home health or hospice setting, each 15 minutes | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| L8680 | Implantable neurostimulator electrode, each | Not payable by Medicare | Not covered | 2 |
| G0255 | Current perception threshold/sensory nerve conduction test, (snct) per limb, any nerve | Non-covered by Medicare | Not covered | 5 |
Medicare policy articles listing R15.9
- A55835: Billing and Coding: Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Urinary and Fecal Incontinence (CGS Administrators, LLC (MAC - Part A, MAC - Part B); 6 Level II codes)
- A53359: Billing and Coding: Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Urinary and Fecal Incontinence (Noridian Healthcare Solutions, LLC (MAC - Part A, MAC - Part B); 7 Level II codes)
- A59332: Billing and Coding: Sacral Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Urinary and Fecal Incontinence (Palmetto GBA (MAC - Part A, MAC - Part B); 7 Level II codes). LCD with the same title: L39543
- A57307: Billing and Coding: Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography (CGS Administrators, LLC (MAC - Part A, MAC - Part B); 1 Level II codes). LCD with the same title: L34594, L34859, L35048, L35081
- A57478: Billing and Coding: Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography (WPS Insurance Corporation (MAC - Part A, MAC - Part B); 1 Level II codes). LCD with the same title: L34594, L34859, L35048, L35081
- A54969: Billing and Coding: Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography (Noridian Healthcare Solutions, LLC (MAC - Part A, MAC - Part B); 1 Level II codes). LCD with the same title: L34594, L34859, L35048, L35081
- A57668: Billing and Coding: Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography (Wellpoint Federal (MAC - Part A, MAC - Part B); 1 Level II codes). LCD with the same title: L34594, L34859, L35048, L35081
- A56619: Billing and Coding: Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography (Palmetto GBA (MAC - Part A, MAC - Part B); 1 Level II codes). LCD with the same title: L34594, L34859, L35048, L35081
- A57206: Billing and Coding: Lumbar MRI (Noridian Healthcare Solutions, LLC (MAC - Part A, MAC - Part B); 2 Level II codes). LCD with the same title: L34220
- A53057: Billing and Coding: Home Health Occupational Therapy (Palmetto GBA (HHH MAC); 5 Level II codes). LCD with the same title: L34560
- A53064: Billing and Coding: Outpatient Occupational Therapy (Palmetto GBA (MAC - Part A); 3 Level II codes). LCD with the same title: L34427
- A57311: Billing and Coding: Physical Therapy - Home Health (CGS Administrators, LLC (HHH MAC); 7 Level II codes). LCD with the same title: L33942
A diagnosis listed as covered in a billing and coding article supports medical necessity for the article's codes; it does not guarantee payment. Coverage depends on the LCD's criteria, the contractor's jurisdiction and documentation in the medical record.
Other R15 diagnoses (Fecal incontinence)
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare cover R15.9 (Full incontinence of feces)?
Medicare covers items and services, not diagnoses. 12 Medicare billing and coding articles list R15.9 as a covered diagnosis for 22 HCPCS Level II codes: the diagnosis can support medical necessity for those codes, but payment still depends on the LCD's coverage criteria and the medical record.
Which HCPCS codes can be billed with ICD-10 R15.9?
The Level II codes from the policies most specific to this diagnosis are A4290 (Sacral nerve stimulation test lead, each, 3 articles); C1767 (Generator, neurostimulator (implantable), non-rechargeable, 3 articles); C1778 (Lead, neurostimulator (implantable), 3 articles); C1883 (Adapter/extension, pacing lead or neurostimulator lead…, 3 articles); C1897 (Lead, neurostimulator test kit (implantable), 3 articles). Code choice depends on the item supplied; check each code's descriptor.
What does Medicare pay for equipment billed with R15.9?
Under the 2026 DMEPOS fee schedule (non-rural state fees): L8678 $11.40 to $31.64. Medicare pays 80% of the allowed amount after the Part B deductible.
Which Medicare policy articles list R15.9?
A55835 (Billing and Coding: Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Urinary and Fecal Incontinence); A53359 (Billing and Coding: Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Urinary and Fecal Incontinence); A59332 (Billing and Coding: Sacral Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Urinary and Fecal Incontinence), and 9 more articles.
What is ICD-10-CM code R15.9?
R15.9 is the ICD-10-CM code for full incontinence of feces, in category R15 (Fecal incontinence), chapter 18: Symptoms, signs and abnormal findings.
Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under A4290
- Watch A4290 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for A4290
Sources: CMS Medicare Coverage Database billing and coding articles (covered ICD-10 code lists and HCPCS links); ICD-10-CM FY2026; CMS HCPCS Level II release October 2026; CMS DMEPOS fee schedule 2026 (non-rural state fees). Not billing or legal advice.
Chapter 18: Symptoms, signs and abnormal findings · All diagnoses · HCPCS lookup