Version 2024

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K38

Other diseases of appendix

ICD-10-CM Code:
K38
ICD-10 Code for:
Other diseases of appendix
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Diseases of the digestive system
    (K00–K95)
    • Diseases of appendix
      (K35-K38)
      • Other diseases of appendix
        (K38)

K38 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of other diseases of appendix. 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 Other diseases of appendix

Non-specific codes like K38 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 other diseases of appendix:

  • Use K38.0 for Hyperplasia of appendix - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K38.1 for Appendicular concretions - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K38.2 for Diverticulum of appendix - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K38.3 for Fistula of appendix - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K38.8 for Other specified diseases of appendix - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K38.9 for Disease of appendix, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

Patient Education


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:

  • Colorectal cancer
  • Colonic polyps - extra tissue growing in the colon that can become cancerous
  • Ulcerative colitis - ulcers of the colon and rectum
  • Diverticulitis - inflammation or infection of pouches in the colon
  • Irritable bowel syndrome - an uncomfortable condition causing abdominal cramping and other symptoms

Treatment for colonic diseases varies greatly depending on the disease and its severity. Treatment may involve diet, medicines and in some cases, 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.