Unspecified abdominal hernia
Chapter 11:Diseases of the digestive system
ICD-10 K46 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified abdominal hernia.
K46 refers to unspecified abdominal hernia, a condition characterized by the protrusion of abdominal contents through a defect in the abdominal wall. This can occur in various anatomical locations, including the inguinal, umbilical, and incisional areas. Clinically, patients may present with a palpable bulge, discomfort, or pain, particularly when straining or lifting. The progression of an abdominal hernia can lead to complications such as incarceration or strangulation, which can compromise blood flow to the affected tissue and necessitate urgent surgical intervention. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical examination, and imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans may be utilized to assess the hernia's size and contents. It is essential to differentiate between types of hernias, as treatment approaches may vary significantly based on the hernia's characteristics and associated symptoms.
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
K46 encompasses unspecified abdominal hernias, which may include various types such as inguinal, umbilical, or incisional hernias that do not have a specified location or classification.
K46 should be used when the specific type of abdominal hernia is not documented or cannot be determined. If the hernia type is known, more specific codes (e.g., K40, K41) should be utilized.
Documentation should include a detailed history of the patient's symptoms, physical examination findings, and any imaging studies performed to support the diagnosis of an unspecified abdominal hernia.
