Is ICD-10-CM code K38 billable?

No, K38 (Other diseases of appendix) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code K38 belong to?

K38 belongs to Chapter 11 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: K00–K95 (Diseases of the Digestive System).

K38Non-billable

Other diseases of appendix

Diseases of the Digestive System·Diseases of appendix (K35-K38)·category·FY 2026

Use a more specific code (6 billable)

K38.0Hyperplasia of appendix K38.1Appendicular concretions K38.2Diverticulum of appendix K38.3Fistula of appendix K38.8Other specified diseases of appendix K38.9Disease of appendix, unspecified

CH11 Parent Instructions

Excludes2(Not included here. Code separately if applicable.)

certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P04-P96)
certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)
complications of pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A)
congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99)
endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E88)
injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
neoplasms (C00-D49)
symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R94)

Clinical Hierarchy

BillableHas subcodes

CH11Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95)

K35-K38Diseases of appendix (K35-K38)

K38Other diseases of appendixNot billable

K38.0Hyperplasia of appendixBillable

K38.1Appendicular concretionsBillable

K38.2Diverticulum of appendixBillable

K38.3Fistula of appendixBillable

K38.8Other specified diseases of appendixBillable

K38.9Disease of appendix, unspecifiedBillable

MS-DRG Classification

2026

No direct MS-DRG triggers identified.