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ICD-10 Coding for Umbilical Hernia Repair(K42.0, K42.1, K42.9)

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

Also known as:

Umbilical HerniorrhaphyUmbilical Hernioplasty

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Umbilical Hernia Repair

K42-K42.9Primary Range

Umbilical hernia codes

These codes cover various types of umbilical hernias, including those with and without obstruction or gangrene.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K42.0Umbilical hernia with obstruction, without gangreneUse when there is an umbilical hernia with obstruction but no gangrene present.
  • Clinical documentation of obstruction without gangrene
  • Imaging studies confirming obstruction
K42.1Umbilical hernia with gangreneUse when there is an umbilical hernia with gangrene.
  • Clinical documentation of gangrene
  • Surgical findings confirming gangrene
K42.9Umbilical hernia without obstruction or gangreneUse when there is an umbilical hernia without obstruction or gangrene.
  • Clinical documentation of hernia without obstruction or gangrene

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for umbilical hernia repair

Essential facts and insights about Umbilical Hernia Repair

The ICD-10 code for umbilical hernia repair depends on specific conditions such as obstruction or gangrene, with codes like K42.0 and K42.1.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for umbilical hernia repair

Umbilical hernia with obstruction, without gangrene
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Obstruction without gangrene

Applicable To

  • Umbilical hernia with obstruction

Excludes

  • Umbilical hernia with gangrene (K42.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Clinical documentation of obstruction without gangrene
  • Imaging studies confirming obstruction

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if gangrene is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states the absence of gangrene.

Differential Codes

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

Umbilical hernia with gangrene

K42.1
Presence of gangrene in the hernia sac

Umbilical hernia with obstruction, without gangrene

K42.0
Absence of gangrene

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Umbilical Hernia Repair to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K42.0.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical records, Regulatory: Potential audit risk, Financial: Denied claims or reduced reimbursement

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checklist for operative notes, Train staff on documentation standards

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data

Mitigation Strategy

Verify surgical findings and documentation for gangrene presence.

Impact

Failure to document defect size can lead to coding errors.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure defect size is measured and documented pre-operatively.

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 Umbilical Hernia Repair, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Umbilical Hernia Repair

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

Open umbilical hernia repair

Specialty: General Surgery

Required Elements

  • Procedure type
  • Defect size
  • Mesh use
  • Closure method

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Repaired umbilical hernia with mesh.
Good Documentation Example
Open repair of recurrent reducible umbilical hernia through infraumbilical incision. Total fascial defect measured 4.2 cm prior to dissection. Polypropylene mesh implanted with underlay technique. No bowel incarceration noted.
Explanation
The good example includes specific details about the approach, defect size, and mesh use, which are necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Umbilical Hernia Repair? Ask your questions below.

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