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  6. 2024 ICD-10-CM Code K40
Version 2024
Non-Billable Code

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K40

Inguinal hernia

ICD-10-CM Code:
K40
ICD-10 Code for:
Inguinal hernia
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

K40 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of inguinal hernia. 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 Inguinal hernia

Non-specific codes like K40 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 inguinal hernia:

  • K40.0 for Bilateral inguinal hernia, with obstruction, without gangrene - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K40.00 for Bilateral inguinal hernia, with obstruction, without gangrene, not specified as recurrent - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K40.01 for Bilateral inguinal hernia, with obstruction, without gangrene, recurrent - BILLABLE CODE

  • K40.1 for Bilateral inguinal hernia, with gangrene - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K40.10 for Bilateral inguinal hernia, with gangrene, not specified as recurrent - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K40.11 for Bilateral inguinal hernia, with gangrene, recurrent - BILLABLE CODE

  • K40.2 for Bilateral inguinal hernia, without obstruction or gangrene - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K40.20 for Bilateral inguinal hernia, without obstruction or gangrene, not specified as recurrent - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K40.21 for Bilateral inguinal hernia, without obstruction or gangrene, recurrent - BILLABLE CODE

  • K40.3 for Unilateral inguinal hernia, with obstruction, without gangrene - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • 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

  • K40.4 for Unilateral inguinal hernia, with gangrene - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K40.40 for Unilateral inguinal hernia, with gangrene, not specified as recurrent - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K40.41 for Unilateral inguinal hernia, with gangrene, recurrent - BILLABLE CODE

  • K40.9 for Unilateral inguinal hernia, without obstruction or gangrene - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K40.90 for Unilateral inguinal hernia, without obstruction or gangrene, not specified as recurrent - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K40.91 for Unilateral inguinal hernia, without obstruction or 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.


Includes

Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
  • bubonocele
  • direct inguinal hernia
  • double inguinal hernia
  • indirect inguinal hernia
  • inguinal hernia NOS
  • oblique inguinal hernia
  • scrotal hernia

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]

Inguinal Hernia

Overview of inguinal hernias, in which contents of the abdomen bulge through a weak area in the lower abdominal wall, and diagnosis and treatment of hernias.
[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.