2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K42Umbilical hernia

ICD-10-CM Codes›K00–K95›K40-K46›K42

ICD-10-CM K42
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

K42 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for umbilical hernia, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as K42.0, K42.1, and K42.9.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
K42
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Umbilical hernia
Short Description
Umbilical hernia
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
K40-K46
Hernia

Code Classification

ChapterK00–K95Diseases of the digestive system
SectionK40-K46Hernia
CategoryK42Umbilical hernia
This CodeK42Umbilical hernia

Specific Coding for Umbilical herniaOverview

Non-specific codes like K42 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use K42.0 for Umbilical hernia with obstruction, without gangrene

  • Use K42.1 for Umbilical hernia with gangrene

  • Use K42.9 for Umbilical hernia without obstruction or gangrene

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to K42: its own notes plus those printed at block K40-K46 and Chapter 11. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Includes

Further defines, or gives examples of, the content of the category.

On K42 itself
  • paraumbilical hernia
From Block K40-K46 Hernia applies to 45 codes
  • acquired hernia
  • congenital [except diaphragmatic or hiatus] hernia
  • recurrent hernia

Excludes1

Not coded here: the excluded code is never reported together with this one, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

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)

Notes

General instructions on how these codes are used.

From Block K40-K46 Hernia applies to 45 codes
  • Hernia with both gangrene and obstruction is classified to hernia with gangrene.

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

Referenced in Other NotesGuidance

Instructional notes printed at other codes that name K42, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes1 2

These codes carry an Excludes1 note naming K42: they are not reported together with it, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

  • Q79.2 Exomphalos
    umbilical hernia (K42.-)
  • Q79.5 Other congenital malformations of abdominal wall
    umbilical hernia (K42.-)

Excludes2 1

These codes carry an Excludes2 note naming K42: its condition is not part of those codes, and both may be reported when the patient has both.

  • K56.7 Ileus, unspecified
    intestinal obstruction with hernia (K40-K46) names K40-K46, which includes this code

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Hernia, Umbilical

    a hernia due to an imperfect closure or weakness of the umbilical ring. it appears as a skin-covered protrusion at the umbilicus during crying, coughing, or straining. the hernia generally consists of omentum or small intestine. the vast majority of umbilical hernias are congenital but can be acquired due to severe abdominal distention.

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 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About K42Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for umbilical hernia?

K42 is the ICD-10-CM category for umbilical hernia, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is K42 (Umbilical hernia) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for umbilical hernia, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for umbilical hernia need a more specific code from this category, such as K42.0, K42.1, and K42.9.

Can K42 be reported with Q79.2?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note on K42 lists "omphalocele (Q79.2)". An Excludes1 note means the excluded code is never reported together with this one; the only exception is when the two conditions are unrelated to each other (Official Guidelines, Section I.A.12.a).