Levels I and II--care in the outpatient setting

Urinary incontinence affects more than 10 million Americans. Many of these people are community-dwelling men and women of all ages. In most cases, a complex urologic/gynecologic evaluation is not required to establish a diagnosis and to plan treatment. This article focuses on basic practical assessment and management that can be delivered in an outpatient setting by nurses and NPs. The simple, basic activities are considered under Level I; these can be accomplished by an NP in a primary care setting. Level II activities require more expertise but not advanced technology and are within the scope of practice of all NPs in general or specialty practice.