2025 ICD-10-CM code N39.42
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Other diseases of the urinary system - Other specified urinary incontinence Diseases of the genitourinary system Feed
Incontinence without sensory awareness; this refers to urinary incontinence where the individual is unaware of bladder fullness before leakage.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of involuntary urine leakage without sensory awareness of bladder fullness, significantly impacting the patient’s quality of life and potentially leading to skin breakdown or urinary tract infections.Further medical necessity justification may depend on the underlying cause (neurological condition, severe bladder dysfunction) requiring further investigations or interventions.
The clinical responsibility for diagnosing and managing incontinence without sensory awareness typically falls upon urologists, neurologists, or geriatricians depending on the underlying cause and patient’s overall health.A thorough assessment should include a neurological examination, urodynamic studies, and a review of the patient’s medication list. Treatment may involve bladder retraining, medication adjustments, or surgical intervention.
- Diseases of the genitourinary system
- N39 (Other disorders of urinary system) > N39.4 (Other specified urinary incontinence) > N39.42 (Incontinence without sensory awareness)
In simple words: This code means a person leaks urine without realizing their bladder is full.They don't feel the need to go to the bathroom before the leakage happens.
N39.42, Incontinence without sensory awareness, is an ICD-10-CM code classifying urinary incontinence characterized by involuntary leakage of urine without the individual experiencing any sensation of bladder fullness or the urge to void beforehand.This type of incontinence is often associated with neurological conditions affecting bladder sensation or with severe bladder dysfunction.It's distinct from other forms of urinary incontinence such as urge incontinence (N39.41) or stress incontinence (N39.3) where the patient experiences a sensation preceding leakage.
Example 1: A 75-year-old female patient with a history of stroke presents with constant urinary leakage, unaware of bladder fullness.She reports no urge to urinate before leakage.Neurological examination reveals decreased sensation in the lower abdomen., An 80-year-old male patient with dementia exhibits frequent urinary leakage without any apparent awareness or discomfort.He has no urge to void prior to incontinence episodes.Physical examination reveals no urinary tract infections or other obvious causes., A 60-year-old female patient with multiple sclerosis experiences constant dribbling of urine, often soaking through her clothing.She does not feel the urge to urinate and doesn't experience bladder fullness sensations. Urodynamic studies reveal a hypotonic bladder.
Thorough history and physical exam, including neurological assessment, patient's report of symptoms, frequency of incontinence episodes, and volume of urine loss; results of urodynamic studies (uroflowmetry, cystometry, electromyography), voiding diary, and other relevant diagnostic tests.
** This code is used for urinary incontinence without any sensation preceding the leakage. It is crucial to differentiate it from other types of incontinence, and thorough documentation is critical for accurate coding and reimbursement.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Urology, Neurology, Geriatrics
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Nursing Facility, Skilled Nursing Facility, Home Health