Version 2024

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K40.3

Unilateral inguinal hernia, with obstruction, without gangrene

ICD-10-CM Code:
K40.3
ICD-10 Code for:
Unilateral inguinal hernia, with obstruction, w/o gangrene
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

K40.3 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of unilateral inguinal hernia, with obstruction, without gangrene. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Unilateral inguinal hernia, with obstruction, w/o gangrene

Non-specific codes like K40.3 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for unilateral inguinal hernia, with obstruction, w/o gangrene:

  • Use K40.30 for Unilateral inguinal hernia, with obstruction, without gangrene, not specified as recurrent - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K40.31 for Unilateral inguinal hernia, with obstruction, without gangrene, recurrent - BILLABLE CODE

Clinical Information

  • Direct Inguinal Hernia

    a protrusion of the abdominal cavity contents into the inguinal canal through the superficial inguinal ring.
  • Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia

    the trapping of bowel or omentum inside the inguinal canal that cannot be reduced, resulting in inflammation, pain, nausea, and possible bowel obstruction.
  • Indirect Inguinal Hernia

    a protrusion of the abdominal cavity contents into the inguinal canal through the deep and superficial inguinal rings.
  • Inguinal Hernia

    the protrusion of a sac-like structure containing fibroadipose tissue through an abnormal opening in the inguinal region.
  • Inguinal Hernia without Mention of Obstruction or Gangrene

    the protrusion of abdominal cavity contents through the inguinal canal, without mention of obstruction or necrosis of the herniated contents.

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The following annotation back-references are applicable to this diagnosis code. The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10-CM codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more.


Inclusion Terms

Inclusion Terms
These terms are the conditions for which that code is to be used. The terms may be synonyms of the code title, or, in the case of "other specified" codes, the terms are a list of the various conditions assigned to that code. The inclusion terms are not necessarily exhaustive. Additional terms found only in the Alphabetic Index may also be assigned to a code.
  • Inguinal hernia (unilateral) causing obstruction without gangrene
  • Incarcerated inguinal hernia (unilateral) without gangrene
  • Irreducible inguinal hernia (unilateral) without gangrene
  • Strangulated inguinal hernia (unilateral) without gangrene

Patient Education


Hernia

A hernia happens when part of an internal organ or tissue bulges through a weak area of muscle. Most hernias are in the abdomen.

There are several types of hernias, including:

  • Inguinal, in the groin. This is the the most common type.
  • Umbilical, around the belly button
  • Incisional, through a scar
  • Hiatal, a small opening in the diaphragm that allows the upper part of the stomach to move up into the chest.
  • Congenital diaphragmatic, a birth defect that needs surgery

Hernias are common. They can affect men, women, and children. A combination of muscle weakness and straining, such as with heavy lifting, might contribute. Some people are born with weak abdominal muscles and may be more likely to get a hernia.

Treatment is usually surgery to repair the opening in the muscle wall. Untreated hernias can cause pain and health problems.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Intestinal Obstruction

An intestinal obstruction occurs when food or stool cannot move through the intestines. The obstruction can be complete or partial. There are many causes. The most common are adhesions, hernias, cancers, and certain medicines.

Symptoms include:

  • Severe abdominal pain or cramping
  • Vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Loud bowel sounds
  • Swelling of the abdomen
  • Inability to pass gas
  • Constipation

A complete intestinal obstruction is a medical emergency. It often requires surgery.

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.