R19.5
Billable

Other fecal abnormalities

Billable / Specific Code

What is Other fecal abnormalities?

ICD-10-CM R19.5 is the diagnosis code for Other fecal abnormalities. This code falls under the section "Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen" within Chapter 18 — Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99). It is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

💡 Inclusions
⛔ Excludes1

Coding Guidelines for R19.5

✅ This Code Includes

  • Abnormal stool color
  • Bulky stools
  • Mucus in stools
  • Occult blood in feces
  • Occult blood in stools

⛔ Type 1 Excludes (Never code together)

The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as R19.5. They are mutually exclusive:

  • melena (K92.1)
  • neonatal melena (P54.1)

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where R19.5 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is R19.5 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

Yes, R19.5 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

What does R19.5 mean?

R19.5 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Other fecal abnormalities". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of R19.5?

The parent code of R19.5 is R19 ("Other symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen"). R19.5 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is R19.5 in?

R19.5 is located in Section R10-R19 — "Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen" within Chapter 18 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

When should I use R19.5?

Use R19.5 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Other fecal abnormalities" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Other fecal abnormalities?

The ICD-10-CM code for Other fecal abnormalities is R19.5.

Can R19.5 be used for primary diagnosis?

Yes, R19.5 can be used as a primary diagnosis code since it is billable and specific.

What chapter is R19.5 in?

R19.5 is in Chapter 18 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What conditions are excluded from R19.5?

Type 1 Excludes for R19.5 include: melena (K92.1); neonatal melena (P54.1).

Is R19.5 valid for 2026?

Yes, R19.5 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousR19.4Change in bowel habitNext →R19.6Halitosis
Code Details
R19.5
Other fecal abnormalities
Billable / Specific Code
18 — Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99)
R10-R19 — Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen
2026 ICD-10-CM