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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesOther diseases of intestinesICD-10-CM k56-paralytic-ileus-and-intestinal-obstruction
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    ICD-10-CM Code For Paralytic Ileus And Intestinal Obstruction Without Hernia: Group Overview

    The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code group K56 includes diagnoses for paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia, covering non-hernia mechanical obstructions, functional ileus, and related intestinal motility disorders. These ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes are used to document clinical scenarios such as acute or chronic bowel obstruction, postoperative or medication-induced ileus, and severity or complications like ischemia or perforation. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-CM K56 group supports proper claim adjudication and complete clinical documentation for appropriate reimbursement.

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    ICD-10-CM K56: Paralytic Ileus And Intestinal Obstruction Without Hernia Overview

    The ICD-10-CM K56 group includes diagnoses for paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction not caused by a hernia, targeting disorders of bowel motility and mechanical obstruction within the gastrointestinal tract. These conditions affect the intestines and can lead to abdominal pain, distention, nausea, and impaired bowel function. Accurate coding matters for reimbursement because it links documented clinical findings to claim adjudication and supports appropriate resource utilization.

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    When to Use

    Use a code from this group when documentation indicates intestinal obstruction or paralytic ileus without an associated hernia as the cause. Select the specific code that reflects the type, acuity, and any documented complications such as gangrene or perforation.

    ICD-10-CM Codes

    16 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    K56.0Paralytic ileus
    K56.1Intussusception
    K56.2Volvulus
    K56.3Gallstone ileus
    K56.41Fecal impaction
    K56.49Other impaction of intestine
    K56.50Intestinal adhesions [bands], unspecified as to partial versus complete obstruction
    K56.51Intestinal adhesions [bands], with partial obstruction
    K56.52Intestinal adhesions [bands] with complete obstruction
    K56.600Partial intestinal obstruction, unspecified as to cause
    K56.601Complete intestinal obstruction, unspecified as to cause
    K56.609Unspecified intestinal obstruction, unspecified as to partial versus complete obstruction
    K56.690Other partial intestinal obstruction
    K56.691Other complete intestinal obstruction
    K56.699Other intestinal obstruction unspecified as to partial versus complete obstruction
    K56.7Ileus, unspecified

    DRG Codes

    5 rows

    DRG CodeDescription
    388Gastrointestinal Obstruction with MCC
    389Gastrointestinal Obstruction with CC
    390Gastrointestinal Obstruction without CC/MCC
    791Prematurity with Major Problems
    793Full Term Neonate with Major Problems

    Typical Clinical Scenarios

    • An elderly inpatient develops progressive abdominal distention, absent bowel sounds, and failure to pass flatus on postoperative day 4 after an exploratory laparotomy for adhesive small bowel obstruction. Imaging shows dilated loops of bowel without a transition point, and there is no evidence of mechanical obstruction on repeat CT, consistent with adynamic (paralytic) ileus related to recent surgery and opioid analgesia; a code from this group is assigned to capture the nonmechanical postoperative ileus. Typical codes: K56.0, K56.69
    • A middle-aged patient with a history of chronic intestinal inflammation presents to the ED with sudden crampy abdominal pain, vomiting, and obstipation. CT demonstrates closed-loop small bowel obstruction from an internal adhesional band causing bowel ischemia requiring urgent operative intervention; the encounter is coded to reflect the acute mechanical obstruction without hernia. Typical codes: K56.2, K56.1
    • A hospitalized oncology patient receiving chemotherapy develops progressive nausea, minimal bowel movements, and diffuse abdominal discomfort without a clear mechanical cause; conservative management is instituted for presumed ileus complicating systemic illness and recent cytotoxic therapy. The diagnosis from this group is used to indicate paralytic ileus as a complication/comorbidity prolonging hospitalization. Typical codes: K56.0, K56.69

    Related Codes

    K55-VASCULAR-DISORDERS-OF-INTESTINE

    ICD-10-CM Code For Vascular Disorders Of Intestine: Group Overview

    K57-DIVERTICULAR-DISEASE-OF-INTESTINE

    ICD-10-CM Code For Diverticular Disease Of Intestine: Group Overview

    K58-IRRITABLE-BOWEL-SYNDROME

    ICD-10-CM Code For Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Group Overview

    K59-OTHER-FUNCTIONAL-INTESTINAL-DISORDERS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Other Functional Intestinal Disorders: Group Overview

    K60-FISSURE-AND-FISTULA-ANAL-RECTAL

    ICD-10-CM Code For Fissure And Fistula Of Anal And Rectal Regions: Group Overview

    K61-ABSCESS-OF-ANAL-AND-RECTAL-REGIONS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Abscess Of Anal And Rectal Regions: Group Overview

    K62-OTHER-DISEASES-OF-ANUS-AND-RECTUM

    ICD-10-CM Code For Other Diseases Of Anus And Rectum: Group Overview

    K63-OTHER-DISEASES-OF-INTESTINE

    ICD-10-CM Code For Other Diseases Of Intestine: Group Overview

    K64-HEMORRHOIDS-AND-PERIANAL-VENOUS-THROMBOSIS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Hemorrhoids And Perianal Venous Thrombosis: 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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