Bilateral femoral hernia, without obstruction or gangrene, not specified as recurrent
ICD-10 K41.20 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of bilateral femoral hernia, without obstruction or gangrene, not specified as recurrent.
A bilateral femoral hernia occurs when tissue, often part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the femoral canal, which is located just below the inguinal ligament. This condition is characterized by the presence of herniated tissue on both sides of the groin. Patients may present with a bulge in the groin area, which may or may not be painful. Symptoms can include discomfort, especially during activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as lifting or straining. The anatomy involved includes the femoral canal, femoral vein, and surrounding connective tissues. Disease progression can lead to complications such as incarceration or strangulation, although K41.20 specifies that there is no obstruction or gangrene present. Diagnostic considerations include physical examination and imaging studies, such as ultrasound or CT scans, to confirm the presence of the hernia and rule out other conditions. It is crucial for healthcare providers to differentiate between a femoral hernia and other types of hernias, such as inguinal hernias, to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
K41.20 covers bilateral femoral hernias that are not obstructed or gangrenous and are not specified as recurrent. It is important to document the absence of complications to ensure accurate coding.
K41.20 should be used when the hernia is bilateral, without obstruction or gangrene, and not recurrent. If there are complications such as obstruction or gangrene, the appropriate codes K41.21 or K41.22 should be selected.
Documentation should include a clear diagnosis of bilateral femoral hernia, details of the clinical examination, imaging results, and confirmation that there are no complications such as obstruction or gangrene.
