Vomiting of fecal matter

This code signifies the emesis of fecal material, also known as copremesis or stercoraceous vomiting. It indicates a severe gastrointestinal disturbance, often associated with intestinal obstruction or a gastrocolic fistula.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states the patient is experiencing vomiting of fecal matter. This is typically observed in cases of prolonged bowel obstruction where the intestinal contents reflux into the stomach. Supporting documentation would include physician notes describing the nature of the vomitus.

• Do not confuse with simple vomiting (R11.10) or vomiting with nausea (R11.2).
• Always code the underlying cause of the fecal vomiting, such as intestinal obstruction, first.
• Ensure the physician's documentation clearly specifies "fecal" or "stercoraceous" vomiting to support this specific code.