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    OpenPayerBilling CodesHerniaICD-10-CM k44-diaphragmatic-hernia
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    ICD-10-CM Code For Diaphragmatic Hernia: Group Overview

    The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code group K44 includes diaphragmatic hernias such as congenital and acquired defects of the diaphragm that permit abdominal organs to protrude into the thoracic cavity, including eventration and traumatic diaphragmatic rupture. These ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes are used to document clinical scenarios involving respiratory compromise, gastrointestinal obstruction, organ displacement, or presence of complications like strangulation or perforation, capturing disease severity and organ involvement. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-CM K44 group supports proper claim adjudication, complete clinical documentation, and appropriate reimbursement.

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    ICD-10-CM K44: Diaphragmatic Hernia Overview

    The diagnoses in the ICD-10-CM K44 group represent diaphragmatic hernias, including congenital and acquired defects of the diaphragm that allow abdominal contents to herniate into the thoracic cavity. These conditions affect the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems and may cause respiratory compromise, gastrointestinal obstruction, or volvulus. Accurate coding matters for clinical communication and reimbursement because it reflects disease severity, complications, and the need for surgical or medical management.

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    When to Use

    Use a code from this group when documentation indicates a diaphragmatic defect with herniation of abdominal contents into the thoracic cavity or when a traumatic rupture of the diaphragm is diagnosed. Select the specific code to reflect laterality, presence of complications, and whether the condition is congenital or acquired as documented in the medical record.

    ICD-10-CM Codes

    3 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    K44.0Diaphragmatic hernia with obstruction, without gangrene
    K44.1Diaphragmatic hernia with gangrene
    K44.9Diaphragmatic hernia without obstruction or gangrene

    DRG Codes

    7 rows

    DRG CodeDescription
    391Esophagitis, Gastroenteritis and Miscellaneous Digestive Disorders with MCC
    392Esophagitis, Gastroenteritis and Miscellaneous Digestive Disorders without MCC
    393Other Digestive System Diagnoses with MCC
    394Other Digestive System Diagnoses with CC
    395Other Digestive System Diagnoses without CC/MCC
    791Prematurity with Major Problems
    793Full Term Neonate with Major Problems

    Typical Clinical Scenarios

    • A middle-aged adult presents to the emergency department with sudden severe left-sided chest pain, shortness of breath, and bowel sounds audible over the chest after a recent blunt abdominal trauma in a motor vehicle collision. Imaging (chest X-ray and CT scan) demonstrates abdominal viscera herniating through a defect in the left hemidiaphragm with compromised respiratory function, prompting urgent surgical consultation; a diaphragmatic hernia diagnosis is assigned for the acute traumatic defect. Typical codes: K44.1, K44.9
    • An elderly patient with a long history of gastroesophageal reflux and progressive exertional dyspnea is evaluated in clinic; chest imaging reveals a chronic paraesophageal hernia with intermittent gastric volvulus but no signs of strangulation. Because the herniation of abdominal contents through the diaphragm is a chronic structural condition contributing to symptoms and requiring elective surgical planning, a diaphragmatic hernia code is used. Typical codes: K44.0, K44.9
    • A neonate in the neonatal intensive care unit is born with respiratory distress and scaphoid abdomen; prenatal ultrasound had suggested an intrathoracic abdominal mass. Postnatal imaging confirms a congenital diaphragmatic defect with herniation of bowel into the thoracic cavity causing pulmonary hypoplasia; the condition is documented as a diaphragmatic hernia and recorded for surgical and critical care management. Typical codes: K44.0, K44.9

    Related Codes

    K40-INGUINAL-HERNIA

    ICD-10-CM Code For Inguinal Hernia: Group Overview

    K41-FEMORAL-HERNIA

    ICD-10-CM Code For Femoral Hernia: Group Overview

    K42-UMBILICAL-HERNIA

    ICD-10-CM Code For Umbilical Hernia: Group Overview

    K43-VENTRAL-HERNIA

    ICD-10-CM Code For Ventral Hernia: Group Overview

    K45-OTHER-ABDOMINAL-HERNIA

    ICD-10-CM Code For Other Abdominal Hernia: Group Overview

    K46-UNSPECIFIED-ABDOMINAL-HERNIA

    ICD-10-CM Code For Unspecified Abdominal Hernia: Group Overview

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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