Hiatal Hernia ICD-10-CM Codes | 2023

What ICD-10 codes can be used for hiatal hernia?

1. K21.9

• This ICD-10 code is specifically intended for patients diagnosed with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) who do not have esophagitis. . If a patient has a hiatal hernia along with acid reflux, this particular ICD-10 code is applicable to their condition.

2. K44.1

• This congenital anomaly leads to the presence of a hole in the diaphragm, allowing abdominal organs to protrude through it. Among these organs is the stomach, and when it passes through the opening caused by the diaphragmatic hernia, it results in a hiatal hernia. Hence, this specific ICD-10 code can be used for individuals diagnosed with a hiatal hernia. Additionally, the patient also presents with gangrene, a condition in which a specific tissue undergoes decomposition due to bacterial infection or impaired circulation.

3. K44.9

• This ICD-10 code stands for Diaphragmatic hernia without obstruction or gangrene. This is similar to the ICD-10 code K44.1, but this time, the patient doesn’t have gangrene or any obstruction. If a patient has hiatal hernia, ir is due to the hole left by the diaphragmatic hernia.

4. K56.609

• This ICD-10 code stands for Unspecified intestinal obstruction, unspecified as to partial versus complete obstruction.This code lacks specificity regarding the cause of the obstruction, leaving it open to various possibilities. Additionally, it does not specify the type of obstruction being experienced. It is conceivable that a hiatal hernia, potentially accompanied by gangrene and obstruction, could be a contributing factor. Thus, if a patient is diagnosed with a confirmed hiatal hernia and presents with obstruction, this ICD-10 code can be utilized.

5. P78.83

• This ICD-10 code stands for Newborn esophageal reflux. This is similar to K21.9. This is meant to be used on newborns who have esophageal reflux, which means that acid flows back into the esophagus. If a newborn patient is experiencing both acid reflux and a hiatal hernia, it is appropriate to apply this ICD-10 code. Acid reflux is a notable symptom of hiatal hernia, making the code applicable in such cases.

Which of these hiatal hernia codes are billable?

All of the aforementioned codes are billable codes and can be used to designate a patient for reimbursement purposes.

Clinical information:

Hiatal hernia is a specific type of hernia where the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity. Small hiatal hernias generally do not pose significant issues. However, it is the large hiatal hernias that warrant concern. Large hiatal hernias have the potential to allow food and stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, leading to symptoms such as heartburn and vomiting.

A person with hiatal hernia may have the following symptoms:

• Heartburn
• Vomiting (if they vomit blood, that’s a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding)
• Regurgitation of food and liquid back to the mouth
• Pain in the chest or abdomen
• Difficulty swallowing food

Medication, particularly those that inhibit and decrease acid production, can be utilized in the treatment of hiatal hernia. However, in cases where the hernia is of significant size, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Synonyms include:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease with hiatal hernia
• Esophageal reflux finding
• Excessive gastric reflux
• Chalasia of lower esophageal sphincter
• Diaphragmatic hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Digestive system reflux