K44Not billable, use a more specific code below

Diaphragmatic hernia

In Hernia (K40-K46), chapter 11: Diseases of the Digestive System

3 billable codes under K44: 1 is an MCC, 1 is a CC; none map to an HCC.A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment.

Advertisements

Instructional notes

Includes: conditions that are coded here

  • hiatus hernia (esophageal) (sliding)
  • paraesophageal hernia

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

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

Also applies, from Hernia (K40-K46)

These notes sit on K40-K46 and apply to every code under it, including K44.

Includes: conditions that are coded here

  • acquired hernia
  • congenital [except diaphragmatic or hiatus] hernia
  • recurrent hernia

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

There are no chapter-specific rules for Chapter 11 yet, so the general rules in Section I.B apply.

Read Section I.C.11 (page 58)

K44 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under K44 group to these 7 MS-DRGs (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

Other codes that refer to K44

Notes on these codes point to K44.

  • J98.6 Excludes2: diaphragmatic hernia (K44.-)
  • K20-K31 Excludes2: hiatus hernia (K44.-)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

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:

Read more about hernia on MedlinePlus

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.