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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN39.49

N39.49

Billable

Other specified urinary incontinence

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N39.49 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified urinary incontinence.

Key Diagnostic Point:

N39.49 refers to urinary incontinence that does not fall under the more common categories such as stress, urge, or overflow incontinence. This code is used for patients experiencing urinary incontinence due to various underlying conditions, including urethritis, urethral stricture, and other urinary system disorders. Urethritis, an inflammation of the urethra, can lead to increased urgency and frequency of urination, contributing to incontinence. Urethral strictures, which are narrowings of the urethra, can obstruct urine flow and cause incomplete bladder emptying, resulting in overflow incontinence. Other urinary system disorders classified elsewhere may also lead to incontinence, necessitating the use of this code. Accurate coding requires a thorough understanding of the patient's medical history and the specific etiology of their urinary incontinence, as it can significantly impact treatment options and outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying conditions leading to incontinence
  • Need for detailed patient history to determine etiology
  • Differentiation from other types of urinary incontinence
  • Potential for co-existing urinary disorders

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying cause
  • Failure to specify the type of urinary incontinence
  • Misclassification of incontinence type
  • Lack of supporting clinical evidence for the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of urinary symptoms, diagnostic tests performed, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with urinary frequency, urgency, or leakage associated with urethral strictures or infections.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant diagnostic tests (e.g., cystoscopy, urodynamics) are documented to support the diagnosis.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive review of urinary symptoms, medication history, and any prior treatments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with a history of urinary tract infections or pelvic surgery presenting with new onset incontinence.

Billing Considerations

Document any referrals to specialists and the rationale for the diagnosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N39.49 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, N39
  • 49 should be used when urinary incontinence is specified as 'other' and does not fit into the defined categories
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that the underlying cause is clearly identified

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N39.49 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

51798CPT Code

Urodynamics

Clinical Scenario

Used to assess bladder function in patients with urinary incontinence.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for the test and results.

Specialty Considerations

Urologists often perform this procedure to evaluate underlying causes.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urinary incontinence, including N39.49, which captures a broader range of conditions. This specificity aids in better understanding patient populations and improving treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urinary incontinence, including N39.49, which captures a broader range of conditions. This specificity aids in better understanding patient populations and improving treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urinary incontinence, including N39.49, which captures a broader range of conditions. This specificity aids in better understanding patient populations and improving treatment outcomes.

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 conditions can lead to the use of N39.49?

N39.49 can be used for urinary incontinence resulting from urethritis, urethral strictures, or other urinary system disorders that do not fit into more specific categories.