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  6. 2024 ICD-10-CM Code K56.60

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K56.60

Unspecified intestinal obstruction

ICD-10-CM Code:
K56.60
ICD-10 Code for:
Unspecified intestinal obstruction
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Chronic Condition Indicator: [1]
Not chronic
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)

K56.60 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of unspecified intestinal obstruction. 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.

Unspecified diagnosis codes like K56.60 are acceptable when clinical information is unknown or not available about a particular condition. Although a more specific code is preferable, unspecified codes should be used when such codes most accurately reflect what is known about a patient's condition. Specific diagnosis codes should not be used if not supported by the patient's medical record.

Specific Coding Applicable to Unspecified intestinal obstruction

Non-specific codes like K56.60 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 unspecified intestinal obstruction:

  • Use K56.600 for Partial intestinal obstruction, unspecified as to cause - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K56.601 for Complete intestinal obstruction, unspecified as to cause - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K56.609 for Unspecified intestinal obstruction, unspecified as to partial versus complete obstruction - BILLABLE CODE

Clinical Classification

Clinical Information

  • Intestinal Obstruction

    any impairment, arrest, or reversal of the normal flow of intestinal contents toward the anal canal.

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.

Footnotes

[1] Not chronic - A diagnosis code that does not fit the criteria for chronic condition (duration, ongoing medical treatment, and limitations) is considered not chronic. Some codes designated as not chronic are acute conditions. Other diagnosis codes that indicate a possible chronic condition, but for which the duration of the illness is not specified in the code description (i.e., we do not know the condition has lasted 12 months or longer) also are considered not chronic.