Version 2024

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K44

Diaphragmatic hernia

ICD-10-CM Code:
K44
ICD-10 Code for:
Diaphragmatic hernia
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

K44 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia. 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.

Specific Coding Applicable to Diaphragmatic hernia

Non-specific codes like K44 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 diaphragmatic hernia:

  • Use K44.0 for Diaphragmatic hernia with obstruction, without gangrene - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K44.1 for Diaphragmatic hernia with gangrene - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K44.9 for Diaphragmatic hernia without obstruction or gangrene - BILLABLE CODE

Clinical Information

  • Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

    diaphragmatic hernia that is present at birth.
  • Diaphragmatic Hernia

    a congenital or acquired weakness or opening in the diaphragm which allows abdominal contents to protrude into the chest cavity; congenital diaphragmatic hernias are caused when the embryonic diaphragm fails to fuse.
  • Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia

    the protrusion of abdominal cavity contents into the thoracic cavity via a hole in the diaphragm, which was acquired via a traumatic etiology.

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The following annotation back-references are applicable to this diagnosis code. The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10-CM codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more.


Includes

Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
  • hiatus hernia (esophageal) (sliding)
  • paraesophageal hernia

Type 1 Excludes

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 diaphragmatic hernia Q79.0
  • congenital hiatus hernia Q40.1

Patient Education


Hernia

A hernia happens when part of an internal organ or tissue bulges through a weak area of muscle. Most hernias are in the abdomen.

There are several types of hernias, including:

  • Inguinal, in the groin. This is the the most common type.
  • Umbilical, around the belly button
  • Incisional, through a scar
  • Hiatal, a small opening in the diaphragm that allows the upper part of the stomach to move up into the chest.
  • Congenital diaphragmatic, a birth defect that needs surgery

Hernias are common. They can affect men, women, and children. A combination of muscle weakness and straining, such as with heavy lifting, might contribute. Some people are born with weak abdominal muscles and may be more likely to get a hernia.

Treatment is usually surgery to repair the opening in the muscle wall. Untreated hernias can cause pain and health problems.


[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.