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ICD-10 Coding for Urinary Stress Incontinence(N39.3)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Urinary Stress Incontinence. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Stress Urinary IncontinenceSUI

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Urinary Stress Incontinence

N39.3Primary Range

Stress incontinence

Primary code for urinary stress incontinence, used when leakage occurs due to exertion.

Other specified urinary incontinence

Includes differential codes like urge incontinence and mixed incontinence.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for urinary stress incontinence

Essential facts and insights about Urinary Stress Incontinence

The ICD-10 code for urinary stress incontinence is N39.3, used when leakage occurs due to physical exertion without urgency.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for urinary stress incontinence

Stress incontinence (female) (male)
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Leakage occurs only during physical exertion.

documentation Criteria

  • Documented positive cough stress test.

Applicable To

  • Involuntary leakage on exertion
  • Positive cough stress test

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive cough stress test
  • Pelvic floor weakness
  • Urodynamic studies

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with urge incontinence
  • Misclassification as mixed incontinence

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies exertion-related leakage to avoid misclassification.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Urinary frequency

R35.0
Use when documenting frequency of urination alongside stress incontinence.

Retention of urine, unspecified

R33.9
Use if retention symptoms are present with stress incontinence.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Urge incontinence

N39.41
Presence of urgency and frequency without exertion triggers.

Mixed incontinence

N39.46
Combination of stress and urge symptoms.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Urinary Stress Incontinence to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N39.3.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresents the patient's condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Review documentation for specific triggers., Educate staff on correct code usage.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient care.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies exertion-related triggers without urgency.

Impact

Lack of specific documentation for exertion-related leakage can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement standardized templates for documenting stress incontinence.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Urinary Stress Incontinence, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Urinary Stress Incontinence

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Urinary Stress Incontinence. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Initial Evaluation of SUI

Specialty: Urology

Required Elements

  • History of leakage triggers
  • Physical exam findings
  • Test results

Example Documentation

62yo multipara reports leaking small volumes urine only during tennis matches and sneezing ×2 years. Denies urgency/awakening to void.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient reports urine leakage.
Good Documentation Example
Patient loses 2-3 drops urine simultaneous with cough during spirometry testing, confirmed by positive cough stress test in lithotomy position.
Explanation
The good example provides specific triggers and test results, ensuring accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Urinary Stress Incontinence? Ask your questions below.

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