2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K44Diaphragmatic hernia

ICD-10-CM Codes›K00–K95›K40-K46›K44

ICD-10-CM K44
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

K44 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for diaphragmatic hernia, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as K44.0, K44.1, and K44.9.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
K44
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Diaphragmatic hernia
Chapter
K40-K46
Hernia

Code Classification

ChapterK00–K95Diseases of the digestive system
SectionK40-K46Hernia
CategoryK44Diaphragmatic hernia
This CodeK44Diaphragmatic hernia

Specific Coding for Diaphragmatic herniaOverview

Non-specific codes like K44 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use K44.0 for Diaphragmatic hernia with obstruction, without gangrene

  • Use K44.1 for Diaphragmatic hernia with gangrene

  • Use K44.9 for Diaphragmatic hernia without obstruction or gangrene

Tabular List NotesGuidance

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

Includes

  • hiatus hernia (esophageal) (sliding)
  • paraesophageal hernia

Type 1 Excludes

  • congenital diaphragmatic hernia Q79.0
  • congenital hiatus hernia Q40.1

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

    diaphragmatic hernia that is present at birth.

  • Diaphragmatic Hernia

    a congenital or acquired weakness or opening in the diaphragm which allows abdominal contents to protrude into the chest cavity; congenital diaphragmatic hernias are caused when the embryonic diaphragm fails to fuse.

  • Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia

    the protrusion of abdominal cavity contents into the thoracic cavity via a hole in the diaphragm, which was acquired via a traumatic etiology.

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 K44Overview

Is K44 (Diaphragmatic hernia) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for diaphragmatic hernia, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for diaphragmatic hernia need a more specific code from this category, such as K44.0, K44.1, and K44.9.