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  6. 2024 ICD-10-CM Code K56
Version 2024
Non-Billable Code

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K56

Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia

ICD-10-CM Code:
K56
ICD-10 Code for:
Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Diseases of the digestive system
    (K00–K95)
    • Other diseases of intestines
      (K55-K64)
      • Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia
        (K56)

K56 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without 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 Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia

Non-specific codes like K56 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 paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia:

  • Use K56.0 for Paralytic ileus - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K56.1 for Intussusception - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K56.2 for Volvulus - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K56.3 for Gallstone ileus - BILLABLE CODE

  • K56.4 for Other impaction of intestine - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K56.41 for Fecal impaction - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K56.49 for Other impaction of intestine - BILLABLE CODE

  • K56.5 for Intestinal adhesions [bands] with obstruction (postinfection) - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K56.50 for Intestinal adhesions [bands], unspecified as to partial versus complete obstruction - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K56.51 for Intestinal adhesions [bands], with partial obstruction - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K56.52 for Intestinal adhesions [bands] with complete obstruction - BILLABLE CODE

  • K56.6 for Other and unspecified intestinal obstruction - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • K56.60 for Unspecified intestinal obstruction - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • K56.69 for Other intestinal obstruction - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K56.7 for Ileus, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

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.


Type 1 Excludes

Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
  • congenital stricture or stenosis of intestine Q41 Q42
  • cystic fibrosis with meconium ileus E84.11
  • ischemic stricture of intestine K55.1
  • meconium ileus NOS P76.0
  • neonatal intestinal obstructions classifiable to P76
  • obstruction of duodenum K31.5
  • postprocedural intestinal obstruction K91.3

Type 2 Excludes

Type 2 Excludes
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
  • stenosis of anus or rectum K62.4

Patient Education


Intestinal Obstruction

An intestinal obstruction occurs when food or stool cannot move through the intestines. The obstruction can be complete or partial. There are many causes. The most common are adhesions, hernias, cancers, and certain medicines.

Symptoms include:

  • Severe abdominal pain or cramping
  • Vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Loud bowel sounds
  • Swelling of the abdomen
  • Inability to pass gas
  • Constipation

A complete intestinal obstruction is a medical emergency. It often requires surgery.

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases


[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.