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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK43.4

K43.4

Billable

Parastomal hernia with gangrene

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K43.4 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of parastomal hernia with gangrene.

Key Diagnostic Point:

K43.4 refers to a parastomal hernia with gangrene, a serious complication that occurs when a portion of the intestine protrudes through the abdominal wall near a stoma, leading to strangulation and subsequent necrosis of the tissue. Clinically, patients may present with severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and signs of systemic infection such as fever and tachycardia. The anatomy involved includes the abdominal wall, stoma site, and the affected segment of the intestine. Disease progression can be rapid, with the risk of bowel obstruction and peritonitis if not addressed promptly. Diagnostic considerations include physical examination, imaging studies such as CT scans, and laboratory tests to assess for signs of infection or metabolic derangement. Early recognition and intervention are crucial to prevent further complications and improve patient outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity
  • Treatment complexity
  • Documentation requirements
  • Coding specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors include misclassification of the type of hernia.
  • Documentation gaps may arise if the severity of gangrene is not clearly noted.
  • Billing challenges often occur due to the need for urgent surgical procedures and potential complications.

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

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of K43.4 lies in its potential for severe complications, including sepsis and bowel perforation, which can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Population health impact is notable, particularly in patients with existing stomas, as this condition can lead to increased healthcare utilization, including emergency surgeries and prolonged hospital stays. Quality measures focus on timely intervention and management of complications to improve patient outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of K43.4 lies in its potential for severe complications, including sepsis and bowel perforation, which can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Population health impact is notable, particularly in patients with existing stomas, as this condition can lead to increased healthcare utilization, including emergency surgeries and prolonged hospital stays. Quality measures focus on timely intervention and management of complications to improve patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the surgical procedure and the potential for complications. Common denials may arise if documentation does not clearly support the diagnosis of gangrene or if the surgical necessity is not well justified. Best practices include thorough documentation of all clinical findings, surgical notes, and follow-up care to ensure proper coding and reimbursement.

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 K43.4?

K43.4 specifically covers parastomal hernias that have progressed to gangrene, indicating necrosis of the bowel due to compromised blood supply. This condition is often a result of strangulation of the herniated bowel segment.

When should K43.4 be used instead of related codes?

K43.4 should be used when there is clear evidence of gangrene associated with a parastomal hernia. If the hernia is present without gangrene, K43.0 should be used instead.

What documentation supports K43.4?

Documentation must include clinical findings of gangrene, imaging results confirming the diagnosis, and notes on the patient's symptoms and treatment plan, particularly if surgical intervention is required.