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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN39.490

N39.490

Billable

Overflow incontinence

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N39.490 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of overflow incontinence.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Overflow incontinence is a type of urinary incontinence characterized by the involuntary leakage of urine that occurs when the bladder becomes overly full. This condition often arises from an inability to completely empty the bladder, leading to urinary retention. Common causes include urethral stricture, which narrows the urethra and obstructs urine flow, and various urethral disorders that can impede normal bladder function. Overflow incontinence can also be associated with neurological conditions that affect bladder control, such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries. Patients may present with symptoms such as frequent urination, a weak urine stream, and the sensation of incomplete bladder emptying. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and may include urodynamic studies to assess bladder function. Treatment options vary based on the underlying cause and may include catheterization, medications to improve bladder function, or surgical interventions to relieve obstructions. Understanding the complexities of overflow incontinence is crucial for accurate coding and effective patient management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes (e.g., urethral stricture, neurological disorders)
  • Need for comprehensive patient history and diagnostic testing
  • Potential overlap with other types of urinary incontinence
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on etiology

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of underlying causes
  • Failure to link overflow incontinence to specific diagnoses
  • Misclassification of incontinence type
  • Lack of supporting clinical evidence for treatment decisions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, physical examination findings, results of urodynamic studies, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with urinary retention, post-void residual urine measurements, and those undergoing surgical interventions for urethral strictures.

Billing Considerations

Urologists must ensure that all relevant diagnostic tests are documented to support the diagnosis of overflow incontinence.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive neurological assessment, including history of neurological disorders affecting bladder control.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries presenting with urinary incontinence.

Billing Considerations

Neurologists should document the relationship between neurological conditions and urinary symptoms to support coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N39.490 When
  • According to the official coding guidelines, N39
  • 490 should be used when overflow incontinence is documented without a more specific cause
  • It is important to ensure that the underlying conditions contributing to overflow incontinence are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N39.490 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 overflow incontinence.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the urodynamic study and the findings.

Specialty Considerations

Urologists should ensure that the study results are clearly linked to the diagnosis of overflow incontinence.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of overflow incontinence, enabling better tracking of the condition and its underlying causes. This specificity aids in improved patient management and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of overflow incontinence, enabling better tracking of the condition and its underlying causes. This specificity aids in improved patient management and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 primary cause of overflow incontinence?

Overflow incontinence is primarily caused by an inability to completely empty the bladder, often due to urethral obstruction or neurological conditions affecting bladder control.

How is overflow incontinence diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and may include urodynamic studies to assess bladder function and post-void residual volumes.

What treatment options are available for overflow incontinence?

Treatment options may include catheterization, medications to improve bladder function, or surgical interventions to relieve any obstructions.