K40
Header — not billableInguinal hernia
The ICD-10 code for inguinal hernia is K40.
K40 is a non-billable header code. It groups related conditions but cannot be used on its own for reimbursement — select one of the 6 more specific codes below.
Clinical notes
Includes
Terms listed here further define or give examples of the conditions grouped under this code — they describe what the code covers, not a separate diagnosis.
- bubonocele
- direct inguinal hernia
- double inguinal hernia
- indirect inguinal hernia
- inguinal hernia NOS
- oblique inguinal hernia
- scrotal hernia
Documentation support
General coding-documentation guidance — not a substitute for payer-specific requirements or professional coding judgment.
- •This is a non-billable header code. Documentation must support a more specific child code before this diagnosis can be reported on a claim.
- •As a general rule, code to the highest level of specificity supported by the documentation in the medical record.
Child codes under K40
- K40.0Bilateral inguinal hernia, with obstruction, without gangrenenon-billable header
- K40.1Bilateral inguinal hernia, with gangrenenon-billable header
- K40.2Bilateral inguinal hernia, without obstruction or gangrenenon-billable header
- K40.3Unilateral inguinal hernia, with obstruction, without gangrenenon-billable header
- K40.4Unilateral inguinal hernia, with gangrenenon-billable header
- K40.9Unilateral inguinal hernia, without obstruction or gangrenenon-billable header