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ICD-10 Coding for Incarcerated Ventral Hernia(K43.6)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Incarcerated Ventral Hernia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Obstructed Ventral HerniaStrangulated Ventral Hernia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Incarcerated Ventral Hernia

K43.0-K43.9Primary Range

Ventral hernia codes

This range includes codes for ventral hernias with and without obstruction or gangrene.

Umbilical hernia codes

Used when the hernia is umbilical, which takes precedence over ventral coding.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for incarcerated ventral hernia

Essential facts and insights about Incarcerated Ventral Hernia

The ICD-10 code for an incarcerated ventral hernia with obstruction, without gangrene, is K43.6.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for incarcerated ventral hernia

Other and unspecified ventral hernia with obstruction, without gangrene
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Non-reducible hernia with imaging-confirmed obstruction

documentation Criteria

  • Absence of gangrene in documentation

Applicable To

  • Incarcerated ventral hernia with obstruction

Excludes

  • Ventral hernia with gangrene (K43.7)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging showing obstruction
  • Non-reducible hernia on physical exam
  • Absence of gangrene

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if gangrene is present but not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly links obstruction to the hernia.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Acute abdominal pain

R10.0
Use to document severe pain associated with the hernia.

Unspecified intestinal obstruction

K56.60
Use if the obstruction is not clearly linked to the hernia.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Incisional hernia with obstruction, without gangrene

K43.0
Use when the hernia is at a previous surgical site.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Incarcerated Ventral Hernia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K43.6.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical picture of the patient's condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for incorrect reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always assess and document gangrene status during examination.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to improper payment., Compliance: Potential for audit failure due to incorrect coding., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify the hernia type and location before coding.

Impact

Coding ventral hernias as incisional or umbilical without proper documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify surgical history and hernia location before coding.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Incarcerated Ventral Hernia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Incarcerated Ventral Hernia

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Incarcerated Ventral Hernia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Pre-operative assessment for incarcerated ventral hernia

Specialty: General Surgery

Required Elements

  • Physical exam findings
  • Imaging results
  • Laboratory values

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a non-reducible, tender abdominal mass. CT confirms small bowel obstruction at hernia site.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has a painful ventral hernia.
Good Documentation Example
6cm incarcerated ventral hernia with obstruction: Non-reducible midline mass, CT confirms small bowel entrapment without gangrene.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details necessary for accurate coding and clinical understanding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Incarcerated Ventral Hernia? Ask your questions below.

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