Unspecified abdominal hernia (K46) ICD-10-CM
The K46 code range covers unspecified abdominal hernia with 4 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 3 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.
- enterocele
- epiplocele
- hernia NOS
- interstitial hernia
- intestinal hernia
- intra-abdominal hernia
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.
- vaginal enterocele N81.5
Codes in the K46 Range 4 codes · 3 billable
About the K46 Code Range
ICD-10 code K46 covers unspecified abdominal hernias, providing medical coders a way to classify hernias within the abdominal cavity when the precise type is not documented. These codes distinguish between hernias that cause complications like obstruction or gangrene and those that do not.
The ICD-10 code for unspecified abdominal hernia (K46) includes three main subcategories. Code K46.0 is used when the hernia leads to obstruction but not gangrene, commonly referred to by terms such as incarcerated or obstructed hernia of the abdominal cavity, including conditions like Richter's or strangulated hernias. Code K46.1 applies when gangrene is present, a serious complication sometimes known as hernia with gangrene or strangulated hernia with gangrene. Lastly, K46.9 is assigned to unspecified abdominal hernias without obstruction or gangrene, encompassing a range of presentations such as intra-abdominal hernias, epiplocele, and intermuscular hernias. These codes help accurately document the severity and nature of abdominal hernias for clinical and billing purposes.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the K46 range?
Of the 4 codes in this range, 3 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 K46 range classify?
The range classifies unspecified abdominal 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.
