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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN39.3

N39.3

Billable

Stress incontinence (female) (male)

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/18/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 N39.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of stress incontinence (female) (male).

Key Diagnostic Point:

Stress incontinence is a condition characterized by involuntary leakage of urine during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise. It is primarily caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues, often due to childbirth, aging, or hormonal changes. In females, the condition is frequently associated with pregnancy and childbirth, which can lead to damage of the pelvic support structures. In males, stress incontinence may occur post-prostate surgery or due to other urological conditions. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and may include urodynamic testing to assess bladder function. Treatment options range from pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle modifications to surgical interventions, depending on the severity of the condition. Understanding the underlying causes and associated urinary disorders, such as urethritis or urethral stricture, is crucial for effective management and coding.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between stress incontinence and other types of urinary incontinence.
  • Understanding the impact of comorbid conditions on coding.
  • Variability in documentation practices among providers.
  • Potential overlap with other urinary disorders requiring careful review.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the type and severity of incontinence.
  • Failure to document associated conditions such as urethritis or stricture.
  • Misclassification of the type of incontinence.
  • Lack of evidence for conservative treatment attempts before surgical options.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of urinary symptoms, physical examination findings, and results from urodynamic studies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with post-prostatectomy incontinence or pelvic floor dysfunction.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should clearly differentiate between types of incontinence and any associated urinary disorders.

Obstetrics/Gynecology

Documentation Requirements

History of childbirth, pelvic examinations, and any previous treatments for incontinence.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Women experiencing incontinence after childbirth or during menopause.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of hormonal factors and pelvic support structures in documentation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N39.3 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, N39
  • 3 should be used when stress incontinence is the primary diagnosis
  • It is important to document any associated conditions or contributing factors, such as urethritis or pelvic organ prolapse, to ensure accurate coding

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N39.3 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

51840CPT Code

Urodynamics

Clinical Scenario

Used to assess bladder function in patients with stress incontinence.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the test and results.

Specialty Considerations

Urologists should ensure comprehensive documentation of findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stress incontinence, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management. It has also increased the need for detailed documentation to support the diagnosis.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stress incontinence, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management. It has also increased the need for detailed documentation to support the diagnosis.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stress incontinence, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management. It has also increased the need for detailed documentation to support the diagnosis.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between stress incontinence and urge incontinence?

Stress incontinence is characterized by leakage during physical activities that increase abdominal pressure, while urge incontinence involves a sudden, intense urge to urinate, often leading to leakage before reaching the bathroom.