2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K38Other diseases of appendix

ICD-10-CM Codes›K00–K95›K35-K38›K38

ICD-10-CM K38
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

K38 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for other diseases of appendix, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as K38.0, K38.1, K38.2, and K38.3.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
K38
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Other diseases of appendix
Short Description
Other diseases of appendix
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
K35-K38
Diseases of appendix

Code Classification

ChapterK00–K95Diseases of the digestive system
SectionK35-K38Diseases of appendix
CategoryK38Other diseases of appendix
This CodeK38Other diseases of appendix

Specific Coding for Other diseases of appendixOverview

Non-specific codes like K38 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use K38.0 for Hyperplasia of appendix

  • Use K38.1 for Appendicular concretions

  • Use K38.2 for Diverticulum of appendix

  • Use K38.3 for Fistula of appendix

  • Use K38.8 for Other specified diseases of appendix

  • Use K38.9 for Disease of appendix, unspecified

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to K38: its own notes plus those printed at Chapter 11. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Excludes2

Not included here: the excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, so both codes may be reported.

From Chapter 11 (K00-K95) Diseases of the digestive system applies to 863 codes
  • certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P04-P96)
  • certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)
  • complications of pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A)
  • congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99)
  • endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E88)
  • injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
  • neoplasms (C00-D49)
  • symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R94)

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.

Patient EducationClinical

Colonic Diseases

Your colon, also known as the large intestine, is part of your digestive system. It's a long, hollow tube at the end of your digestive tract where your body makes and stores stool. Many disorders affect the colon's ability to work properly. Some of these include:

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About K38Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for other diseases of appendix?

K38 is the ICD-10-CM category for other diseases of appendix, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is K38 (Other diseases of appendix) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for other diseases of appendix, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for other diseases of appendix need a more specific code from this category, such as K38.0, K38.1, and K38.2.