Inguinal hernia (K40) ICD-10-CM
The K40 code range covers inguinal hernia with 19 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 12 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
- bubonocele
- direct inguinal hernia
- double inguinal hernia
- indirect inguinal hernia
- inguinal hernia NOS
- oblique inguinal hernia
- scrotal hernia
Codes in the K40 Range 19 codes · 12 billable
- K40 Inguinal herniaNon-billable
- K40.0 Bilateral inguinal hernia, with obstruction, without gangreneNon-billable
- K40.00 Bilateral inguinal hernia, with obstruction, without gangrene, not specified as recurrent
- K40.01 Bilateral inguinal hernia, with obstruction, without gangrene, recurrent
- K40.1 Bilateral inguinal hernia, with gangreneNon-billable
- K40.10 Bilateral inguinal hernia, with gangrene, not specified as recurrent
- K40.11 Bilateral inguinal hernia, with gangrene, recurrent
- K40.2 Bilateral inguinal hernia, without obstruction or gangreneNon-billable
- K40.20 Bilateral inguinal hernia, without obstruction or gangrene, not specified as recurrent
- K40.21 Bilateral inguinal hernia, without obstruction or gangrene, recurrent
- K40.3 Unilateral inguinal hernia, with obstruction, without gangreneNon-billable
- K40.30 Unilateral inguinal hernia, with obstruction, without gangrene, not specified as recurrent
- K40.31 Unilateral inguinal hernia, with obstruction, without gangrene, recurrent
- K40.4 Unilateral inguinal hernia, with gangreneNon-billable
- K40.40 Unilateral inguinal hernia, with gangrene, not specified as recurrent
- K40.41 Unilateral inguinal hernia, with gangrene, recurrent
- K40.9 Unilateral inguinal hernia, without obstruction or gangreneNon-billable
- K40.90 Unilateral inguinal hernia, without obstruction or gangrene, not specified as recurrent
- K40.91 Unilateral inguinal hernia, without obstruction or gangrene, recurrent
About the K40 Code Range
The ICD-10 code K40 covers different types of inguinal hernias, which occur when tissue pushes through a weakness in the groin area. These codes specify whether the hernia is unilateral or bilateral and whether complications like obstruction or gangrene are present.
The full K40 category is used to accurately document inguinal hernias ranging from simple, non-obstructed cases (K40.2, K40.9) to more serious situations involving obstruction without gangrene (K40.0, K40.3) or with gangrene (K40.1, K40.4). Many subcodes identify recurrence and laterality, helping coders capture details essential for treatment plans and insurance purposes. For example, terms such as "irreducible inguinal hernia," "obstructed inguinal hernia," and "strangulated inguinal hernia" are clinical synonyms that align with specific subcodes like K40.00 and K40.30. Using precise codes like K40.41 for recurrent hernias with gangrene aids in proper medical record-keeping and ensures the right clinical pathway is followed. Understanding these distinctions is crucial when selecting the correct ICD-10 code for inguinal hernia billing or reporting.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the K40 range?
Of the 19 codes in this range, 12 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the K40 range classify?
The range classifies inguinal hernia. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
