2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K44Diaphragmatic hernia

ICD-10-CM Codes›K00–K95›K40-K46›K44

ICD-10-CM K44
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

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
Short Description
Diaphragmatic hernia
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
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

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to K44: 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 K44 itself
  • hiatus hernia (esophageal) (sliding)
  • paraesophageal 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.

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

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 K44, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes2 3

These codes carry an Excludes2 note naming K44: its condition is not part of those codes, and both may be reported when the patient has both.

  • J98.6 Disorders of diaphragm
    diaphragmatic hernia (K44.-)
  • Block K20-K31 Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum
    hiatus hernia (K44.-)
  • K56.7 Ileus, unspecified
    intestinal obstruction with hernia (K40-K46) names K40-K46, which includes this code

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Hernia, Diaphragmatic

    protrusion of abdominal structures into the thorax as a result of congenital or traumatic defects in the respiratory diaphragm.

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 K44Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for diaphragmatic hernia?

K44 is the ICD-10-CM category for diaphragmatic hernia, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

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.

Can K44 be reported with Q79.0?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note on K44 lists "congenital diaphragmatic hernia (Q79.0)". 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).