2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K56Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia

ICD-10-CM Codes›K00–K95›K55-K64›K56

ICD-10-CM K56
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

K56 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as K56.0, K56.1, K56.2, and K56.3.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
K56
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia
Chapter
K55-K64
Other diseases of intestines

Code Classification

ChapterK00–K95Diseases of the digestive system
SectionK55-K64Other diseases of intestines
CategoryK56Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia
This CodeK56Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia

Specific Coding for Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without herniaOverview

Non-specific codes like K56 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use K56.0 for Paralytic ileus

  • Use K56.1 for Intussusception

  • Use K56.2 for Volvulus

  • Use K56.3 for Gallstone ileus

  • K56.4 for Other impaction of intestine

  • Use K56.41 for Fecal impaction

  • Use K56.49 for Other impaction of intestine

  • K56.5 for Intestinal adhesions [bands] with obstruction (postinfection)

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

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

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

  • K56.6 for Other and unspecified intestinal obstruction

  • K56.60 for Unspecified intestinal obstruction

  • K56.69 for Other intestinal obstruction

  • Use K56.7 for Ileus, unspecified

Tabular List NotesGuidance

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

Type 1 Excludes

  • 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

  • stenosis of anus or rectum K62.4

Patient EducationClinical

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.

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 K56Overview

Is K56 (Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia need a more specific code from this category, such as K56.0, K56.1, and K56.2.