2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K40Inguinal hernia

ICD-10-CM Codes›K00–K95›K40-K46›K40

ICD-10-CM K40
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

K40 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for inguinal hernia, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as K40.00, K40.01, K40.10, and K40.11.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
K40
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Inguinal hernia
Chapter
K40-K46
Hernia

Code Classification

ChapterK00–K95Diseases of the digestive system
SectionK40-K46Hernia
CategoryK40Inguinal hernia
This CodeK40Inguinal hernia

Specific Coding for Inguinal herniaOverview

Non-specific codes like K40 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • K40.0 for Bilateral inguinal hernia, with obstruction, without gangrene

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

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

  • K40.1 for Bilateral inguinal hernia, with gangrene

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

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

  • K40.2 for Bilateral inguinal hernia, without obstruction or gangrene

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

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

  • K40.3 for Unilateral inguinal hernia, with obstruction, without gangrene

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

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

  • K40.4 for Unilateral inguinal hernia, with gangrene

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

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

  • K40.9 for Unilateral inguinal hernia, without obstruction or gangrene

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

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

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Includes

  • bubonocele
  • direct inguinal hernia
  • double inguinal hernia
  • indirect inguinal hernia
  • inguinal hernia NOS
  • oblique inguinal hernia
  • scrotal hernia

Clinical InformationClinical

  • 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.

Patient EducationClinical

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.

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 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About K40Overview

Is K40 (Inguinal hernia) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for inguinal hernia, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for inguinal hernia need a more specific code from this category, such as K40.00, K40.01, and K40.10.