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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK41.10

K41.10

Billable

Bilateral femoral hernia, with gangrene, not specified as recurrent

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K41.10 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of bilateral femoral hernia, with gangrene, not specified as recurrent.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A bilateral femoral hernia occurs when tissue, such as part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the femoral canal, which is located just below the inguinal ligament. In cases where the hernia is accompanied by gangrene, it indicates that the blood supply to the herniated tissue has been compromised, leading to tissue necrosis. Clinically, patients may present with severe abdominal pain, swelling in the groin area, nausea, and vomiting. The anatomy involved includes the femoral canal, which houses the femoral vein, artery, and nerve, making it a critical area for vascular and nerve function. Disease progression can lead to incarceration, where the hernia becomes trapped, and strangulation, where blood supply is cut off, necessitating urgent surgical intervention. Diagnostic considerations include physical examination, imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans, and laboratory tests to assess for signs of infection or systemic illness. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications associated with gangrene.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires thorough assessment to differentiate from other types of hernias and complications.
  • Treatment complexity: Surgical intervention is often necessary, with considerations for the patient's overall health and potential comorbidities.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging results are essential to support the diagnosis.
  • Coding specificity: Accurate coding is critical to reflect the severity and specifics of the condition.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of the hernia type or failure to document gangrene.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes or lack of imaging results can lead to denials.
  • Billing challenges: High complexity may lead to increased scrutiny from payers, necessitating thorough documentation.

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

The clinical significance of K41.10 lies in the potential for serious complications, including sepsis and bowel obstruction, which can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Population health impact is notable, as femoral hernias are more prevalent in certain demographics, including older adults and those with obesity. Quality measures focus on timely surgical intervention and postoperative outcomes, while healthcare utilization patterns reflect the need for emergency care and surgical services. Epidemiologically, understanding the incidence of gangrenous hernias can inform preventive strategies and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of K41.10 lies in the potential for serious complications, including sepsis and bowel obstruction, which can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Population health impact is notable, as femoral hernias are more prevalent in certain demographics, including older adults and those with obesity. Quality measures focus on timely surgical intervention and postoperative outcomes, while healthcare utilization patterns reflect the need for emergency care and surgical services. Epidemiologically, understanding the incidence of gangrenous hernias can inform preventive strategies and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the procedure codes align with the diagnosis and that all documentation supports the medical necessity of the treatment. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate the urgency of the condition. Best practices include maintaining clear and comprehensive clinical notes, ensuring all imaging and lab results are included, and verifying that coding aligns with payer guidelines.

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 K41.10?

K41.10 covers bilateral femoral hernias that are not specified as recurrent and are accompanied by gangrene. This includes cases where the herniated tissue has lost its blood supply, leading to necrosis.

When should K41.10 be used instead of related codes?

K41.10 should be used when there is a confirmed diagnosis of a bilateral femoral hernia with gangrene. It is important to differentiate it from K41.00, which does not specify gangrene, and K41.90, which is for unspecified hernias.

What documentation supports K41.10?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical examination, imaging studies confirming the presence of a bilateral femoral hernia, and evidence of gangrene, such as clinical signs of necrosis or vascular compromise.