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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK41.0

K41.0

Non-billable

Bilateral femoral hernia, with obstruction, without gangrene

BILLABLE STATUSNo
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/06/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 K41.0 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of bilateral femoral hernia, with obstruction, without gangrene.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Bilateral femoral hernia with obstruction, without gangrene, is a condition characterized by the protrusion of tissue through a weak spot in the abdominal wall, specifically in the femoral canal, which is located just below the inguinal ligament. This condition can present with symptoms such as groin pain, nausea, vomiting, and signs of bowel obstruction due to the incarceration of intestinal contents. The anatomy involved includes the femoral canal, which is bordered by the pubic bone, the inguinal ligament, and the femoral vein and artery. Disease progression can lead to complications such as strangulation, although in this case, gangrene is absent. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans to confirm the presence of the hernia and assess for obstruction. Timely intervention is crucial to prevent further complications, and surgical repair is often indicated to alleviate symptoms and restore normal anatomy.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires imaging and clinical evaluation to confirm obstruction.
  • Treatment complexity: Surgical intervention is often necessary, which may involve various techniques.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging results are essential for accurate coding.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other types of hernias.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of hernia type or failure to document obstruction.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes or lack of imaging results.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if the medical necessity for surgery is not well-documented.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

General Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Gastroenterology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Bilateral femoral hernias with obstruction can significantly impact patient quality of life and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. The prevalence of hernias in the general population highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment. Effective management of this condition can reduce healthcare utilization, including emergency visits and surgical interventions, thereby improving overall population health outcomes. Monitoring quality measures related to hernia repair can also provide insights into healthcare delivery and patient safety.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Bilateral femoral hernias with obstruction can significantly impact patient quality of life and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. The prevalence of hernias in the general population highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment. Effective management of this condition can reduce healthcare utilization, including emergency visits and surgical interventions, thereby improving overall population health outcomes. Monitoring quality measures related to hernia repair can also provide insights into healthcare delivery and patient safety.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations may vary based on the payer, but it is crucial to demonstrate medical necessity for surgical intervention. Common denials may occur if the documentation does not sufficiently justify the need for surgery or if the coding is not specific enough. Adhering to coding best practices, such as using the most specific codes and ensuring all relevant information is included in the medical record, can help mitigate these issues.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for K00-K99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for K00-K99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific conditions are covered by K41.0?

K41.0 specifically covers bilateral femoral hernias that are obstructed but do not involve gangrene. This includes cases where the hernia is causing bowel obstruction without necrosis of the tissue.

When should K41.0 be used instead of related codes?

K41.0 should be used when there is a confirmed diagnosis of bilateral femoral hernia with obstruction. It is important to differentiate from unilateral hernias or those without obstruction.

What documentation supports K41.0?

Documentation should include clinical findings, imaging studies confirming the hernia and obstruction, and any surgical notes if applicable. Detailed notes on symptoms and physical examination findings are also critical.