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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN39.492

N39.492

Billable

Postural (urinary) incontinence

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N39.492 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of postural (urinary) incontinence.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Postural urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary leakage of urine that occurs during changes in body position, such as standing up or moving from a sitting to a standing position. This condition is often associated with weakened pelvic floor muscles, which can be exacerbated by factors such as childbirth, aging, obesity, and certain neurological conditions. Patients may experience varying degrees of incontinence, from minor leakage to complete loss of bladder control. The condition can significantly impact quality of life, leading to social withdrawal, anxiety, and depression. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and possibly urodynamic testing to assess bladder function. Treatment options may include pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle modifications, medications, or surgical interventions, depending on the severity and underlying causes of the incontinence. Understanding the relationship between postural changes and urinary leakage is crucial for effective management and patient education.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes (e.g., pelvic floor dysfunction, neurological disorders)
  • Need for comprehensive patient history and examination
  • Potential overlap with other urinary incontinence types
  • Variability in treatment approaches and documentation requirements

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of patient history and symptoms
  • Failure to document the specific type of incontinence
  • Lack of supporting evidence for treatment decisions
  • Misclassification of incontinence type

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed urodynamic studies, patient history, and treatment plans must be documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with urinary leakage during physical activity or postural changes.

Billing Considerations

Urologists should ensure that all relevant tests and evaluations are documented to support the diagnosis.

Gynecology

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of pelvic examinations and any relevant obstetric history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Women experiencing urinary incontinence post-childbirth or during menopause.

Billing Considerations

Gynecologists should focus on pelvic floor health and its impact on urinary function.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N39.492 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, N39
  • 492 should be used when the incontinence is specifically related to postural changes
  • It is important to document the patient's history and any relevant diagnostic tests to support the use of this code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N39.492 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

51798CPT Code

Urodynamics

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate bladder function in patients with urinary incontinence.

Documentation Requirements

Complete urodynamic study results must be documented.

Specialty Considerations

Urologists should ensure that all findings are clearly documented to support the diagnosis.

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 types, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. N39.492 provides a clear classification for postural incontinence, which aids in better patient management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urinary incontinence types, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. N39.492 provides a clear classification for postural incontinence, which aids in better patient management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urinary incontinence types, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. N39.492 provides a clear classification for postural incontinence, which aids in better patient management.

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 postural incontinence and stress incontinence?

Postural incontinence specifically refers to urine leakage that occurs with changes in body position, while stress incontinence is a broader term that includes leakage during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing or sneezing.