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K44.9
ICD-10-CM
Hiatal Hernia

Find comprehensive information on hiatal hernia diagnosis, including clinical documentation requirements, ICD-10 codes (K44.9), medical coding guidelines, and healthcare best practices. Learn about hiatal hernia symptoms, types (sliding, paraesophageal), diagnostic procedures like EGD and barium swallow, and treatment options. This resource provides essential guidance for physicians, coders, and other healthcare professionals involved in documenting and coding hiatal hernia cases.

Also known as

Hiatus Hernia
Diaphragmatic Hernia

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Stomach protrudes through diaphragm opening into chest.
  • Clinical Signs : Heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, difficulty swallowing.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, gastroenterology, surgery consultations.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC K44.9 Coding
K44.9

Diaphragmatic hernia

This code specifies a hiatal hernia without further detail.

K44.0-K44.1

Sliding hiatal hernia

These codes describe a sliding type hiatal hernia, the most common type.

K44.2-K44.3

Paraesophageal hiatal hernia

These codes identify a paraesophageal hiatal hernia, a less common type.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the hiatal hernia sliding (axial)?

  • Yes

    Code K44.9 Hiatal hernia without obstruction or gangrene

  • No

    Is it a paraesophageal hernia?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Hiatal Hernia
GERD
Mallory-Weiss Tear

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Hiatal hernia type (sliding, paraesophageal, mixed)
  • Symptoms: heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain
  • Imaging confirmation: barium swallow, endoscopy
  • Hernia size and location documented
  • Associated complications, if any (e.g., GERD)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Code Specificity

    Coding a hiatal hernia without specifying sliding vs. paraesophageal (K44.9 vs. K44.0-K44.2) impacts reimbursement and data accuracy.

  • Symptom Coding

    Incorrectly coding symptoms (e.g., GERD) as the primary diagnosis instead of the hiatal hernia leads to inaccurate reporting and potential denials.

  • Documentation Gaps

    Insufficient documentation of hernia type and associated complications (e.g., obstruction, gangrene) hinders accurate coding and CDI efforts.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Thorough HPI for accurate ICD-10-CM K44 coding
  • Document hernia type, size for proper CPT coding
  • Image review, symptom correlation for compliant billing
  • Consistent esophageal manometry reporting improves CDI
  • Timely follow-up documentation supports HCC coding

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm retrosternal heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia. ICD-10 K44.9
  • Assess for epigastric pain radiating to back. CPT 74240
  • Order barium swallow or upper endoscopy. Document findings.
  • Evaluate for complications e.g. strictures, bleeding.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Hiatal Hernia reimbursement hinges on accurate coding (ICD-10 K44.9) and documentation specificity for optimal payer contracts.
  • Coding quality directly impacts Case Mix Index (CMI) accuracy for Hiatal Hernia, influencing hospital reimbursement and resource allocation.
  • Accurate POA indicators affect Hiatal Hernia reimbursement under MS-DRG assignment impacting hospital financial performance.
  • Thorough documentation of symptom severity and surgical approach (laparoscopic vs. open) maximizes Hiatal Hernia reimbursement.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code K44.9 for unspecified hiatal hernia
  • Type, size matters: add modifiers
  • Document symptoms, reflux, complications
  • For paraesophageal, use K44.2
  • Review documentation for accuracy

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with hiatal hernia, including heartburn, acid reflux, regurgitation, chest pain, and dysphagia.  Symptoms are exacerbated by bending over, lying down, or eating large meals.  The patient reports experiencing GERD symptoms, specifically nighttime reflux and a sour taste in the mouth.  Differential diagnoses considered include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophageal spasm, angina, and peptic ulcer.  Physical examination reveals epigastric tenderness upon palpation.  No palpable masses noted.  Auscultation of the heart and lungs unremarkable.  Diagnosis of hiatal hernia is suspected based on patient history and physical examination findings.  Further investigation with upper endoscopy or barium swallow study is recommended to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the extent of the hernia.  Treatment plan may include lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes, weight loss, elevation of the head of the bed, and avoidance of trigger foods.  Medical management may include antacids, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), or prokinetic agents.  Surgical intervention, such as laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair or Nissen fundoplication, may be considered for patients with large hernias, severe symptoms, or complications such as strangulation or obstruction.  Patient education regarding hiatal hernia symptoms, treatment options, and potential complications was provided.  Follow-up appointment scheduled to discuss diagnostic results and formulate a definitive treatment plan.  ICD-10 code K44.9 for hiatal hernia without obstruction or gangrene will be used for billing and coding purposes.  CPT codes for procedures, such as 43235 for upper endoscopy and 74240 for barium swallow, will be applied as appropriate.