AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2004 Issue 4; VOLUMES 1 AND 2 NEW/REVISED DIAGNOSIS CODES
Overflow Incontinence
Effective October 1, 2004, code 788.38, Overflow incontinence, has been created to distinguish this condition from other types of urinary incontinence. Overflow incontinence is a condition in which patients never feel the urge to urinate, the bladder never empties and small amounts of urine leak continuously. This condition is more prevalent in older men with enlarged prostate. Symptoms include dribbling of urine even after voiding, frequent nighttime urination, inability to void even in the presence of the urge to urinate, and the bladder never feeling empty. There are several underlying etiologies to overflow incontinence, such as benign prostatic...
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Article Overview
This premium article covers a coding change effective October 1, 2004, that adds a specific diagnosis code for overflow incontinence and places it in context within broader urinary system symptom and urinary incontinence references. It is relevant for coders, auditors, and clinical documentation staff who need to understand the scope of the update, related classification headings, and the surrounding guidance on documenting associated conditions.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate identification of this diagnosis concept affects diagnosis coding specificity and helps ensure urinary incontinence cases are classified consistently in claims and records.
Article Sections
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Coding update and clinical overview
Introduces the condition, explains the update date, and provides a broad clinical overview of the topic.
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Related classification references
Places the topic within broader urinary system symptom and urinary incontinence classification references and notes related causal-condition guidance.
What You Will Learn
- How the article situates the topic within urinary system and urinary incontinence classification references
- What broad clinical features are associated with the condition
- Which related condition categories are referenced alongside the update
- Why the update is relevant for diagnosis coding specificity
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Clinical documentation staff
- Billing staff
- Revenue cycle professionals
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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