Urge incontinence

This code represents the involuntary leakage of urine associated with a sudden, compelling urge to void that is difficult to defer. It is a form of urinary incontinence characterized by bladder overactivity, often due to detrusor muscle instability. Patients experience a strong, sudden need to urinate, followed by an unintentional loss of urine.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates urge incontinence as the patient's primary type of urinary leakage. This diagnosis is supported by patient history describing sudden urges and involuntary urine loss, often without physical exertion or coughing. Look for terms like "overactive bladder with incontinence" or "detrusor overactivity incontinence."

• Do not code this with mixed incontinence (N39.46) as per Excludes1 note.
• Ensure documentation specifies "urge" as the type of incontinence; avoid using for unspecified incontinence.
• Consider sequencing if another condition is the underlying cause of the urge incontinence (e.g., neurological disorders).