Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia (K56) ICD-10-CM
The K56 code range covers paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia with 22 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 16 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2027, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
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
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
Codes in the K56 Range 22 codes · 16 billable
- K56 Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without herniaNon-billable
- K56.0 Paralytic ileus
- K56.1 Intussusception
- K56.2 Volvulus
- K56.3 Gallstone ileus
- K56.4 Other impaction of intestineNon-billable
- K56.41 Fecal impaction
- K56.49 Other impaction of intestine
- K56.5 Intestinal adhesions [bands] with obstruction (postinfection)Non-billable
- K56.50 Intestinal adhesions [bands], unspecified as to partial versus complete obstruction
- K56.51 Intestinal adhesions [bands], with partial obstruction
- K56.52 Intestinal adhesions [bands] with complete obstruction
- K56.6 Other and unspecified intestinal obstructionNon-billable
- K56.60 Unspecified intestinal obstructionNon-billable
- K56.600 Partial intestinal obstruction, unspecified as to cause
- K56.601 Complete intestinal obstruction, unspecified as to cause
- K56.609 Unspecified intestinal obstruction, unspecified as to partial versus complete obstruction
- K56.69 Other intestinal obstructionNon-billable
- K56.690 Other partial intestinal obstruction
- K56.691 Other complete intestinal obstruction
- K56.699 Other intestinal obstruction unspecified as to partial versus complete obstruction
- K56.7 Ileus, unspecified
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the K56 range.
Fecal Impaction
Formation of a firm impassable mass of stool in the RECTUM or distal COLON.
Ileus
A condition caused by the lack of intestinal PERISTALSIS or INTESTINAL MOTILITY without any mechanical obstruction. This interference of the flow of INTESTINAL CONTENTS often leads to INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION. Ileus may be classified into postoperative, inflammatory, metabolic, neurogenic, and drug-induced.
Intestinal Volvulus
A twisting in the intestine (INTESTINES) that can cause INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION.
Intussusception
A form of intestinal obstruction caused by the PROLAPSE of a part of the intestine into the adjoining intestinal lumen. There are four types: colic, involving segments of the LARGE INTESTINE; enteric, involving only the SMALL INTESTINE; ileocecal, in which the ILEOCECAL VALVE prolapses into the CECUM, drawing the ILEUM along with it; and ileocolic, in which the ileum prolapses through the ileocecal valve into the COLON.
Paralytic Ileus
An ileus caused by abdominal or pelvic surgery, infections, disorders that affect the muscles and nerves, and medications. Signs and symptoms include those of intestinal obstruction.
About the K56 Code Range
Intestinal obstruction without a hernia can involve reduced intestinal movement, impacted material, or bands in the intestine. Paralytic ileus is a functional obstruction linked to decreased intestinal movement.
The subdivisions separate K56.0 paralytic ileus from other named conditions, including gallstone ileus. K56.4 distinguishes fecal impaction from other intestinal impaction. K56.5 identifies obstruction involving intestinal bands and distinguishes partial from complete obstruction. K56.6 separates other from unspecified obstruction, then distinguishes partial, complete, or unspecified extent. K56.7 identifies ileus without a specified type.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the K56 range?
Of the 22 codes in this range, 16 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the K56 range classify?
The range classifies paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without 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 2027 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
