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K43.2
ICD-10-CM
Incisional Hernia

Learn about incisional hernia diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (K43.9), CPT codes for repair, and postoperative complications. This guide covers healthcare provider resources for accurate medical coding and billing, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options for ventral or incisional hernias. Find information on mesh repair, laparoscopic techniques, and proper documentation for optimal reimbursement.

Also known as

Ventral Hernia
Postoperative Hernia

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Protrusion of abdominal contents through surgical incision site.
  • Clinical Signs : Bulge or lump at scar, possibly painful. May increase with coughing or straining.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, general surgery clinics, emergency rooms for strangulated hernias.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC K43.2 Coding
K40-K46

Abdominal Hernia

Covers various types of abdominal hernias, including incisional.

K40

Inguinal Hernia

While not incisional, it's a common abdominal wall hernia for comparison.

K42

Umbilical Hernia

Another abdominal wall hernia, different in location from incisional.

K43

Ventral Hernia

Incisional hernias are a subtype of ventral hernias.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the incisional hernia incarcerated or strangulated?

  • Yes

    Is it gangrenous?

  • No

    Is there obstruction?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Incisional hernia
Ventral hernia
Spigelian hernia

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Incisional hernia: document location, size, & reducibility.
  • ICD-10: K43. Specify site, laterality if applicable.
  • CPT: Repair code selection based on size/complexity.
  • Surgical history crucial: prior incision details, date.
  • Symptoms: pain, bulge, obstruction. Document severity.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Location

    Coding incisional hernia without specifying the site (e.g., umbilical, ventral) leads to coding errors and claim denials. Proper documentation is crucial.

  • Recurrence Miscoding

    Incorrectly coding a recurrent incisional hernia as primary affects reimbursement and data accuracy. CDI should query for recurrence documentation.

  • Complication Overlooked

    Failing to code associated complications (e.g., obstruction, gangrene) with incisional hernia undercodes severity and impacts quality metrics reporting.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document hernia location, size, & symptoms for accurate ICD-10 coding (e.g., K43.x)
  • CDI: Query surgeon for mesh type, if used, for proper CPT coding (e.g., 49560-49566)
  • Ensure operative report details align with diagnosis for compliance & reimbursement.
  • Capture prior incision details crucial for correct diagnosis coding & recurrence tracking.
  • Timely follow-up documentation aids appropriate aftercare coding & improves patient outcomes.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Hx: Prior incision, bulge/swelling, pain (ICD-10: K43.9)
  • PE: Palpable defect at incision site, Valsalva maneuver
  • Imaging: US/CT for confirmation (SNOMED CT: 413923007)
  • Doc: Incision site, hernia size, reducibility (CPT: 49560-49566)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Incisional Hernia: Coding accuracy impacts reimbursement for ventral/incisional hernia repair (CPT 49560-49566).
  • Proper ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding (K43.x) crucial for accurate hospital reporting and appropriate MS-DRG assignment.
  • Quality metrics: Surgical site infection (SSI) rates, readmission rates, and patient-reported outcomes affect reimbursement.
  • Timely and accurate coding/documentation minimizes claim denials and optimizes hospital revenue cycle management.

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 incisional site, not original
  • Document recurrence clearly
  • Specify hernia type: reducible, incarcerated
  • Confirm laterality, add muscle layer
  • Query surgeon for clarity if needed

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with an incisional hernia.  Symptoms include a bulge or protrusion at the site of a previous surgical incision, potentially accompanied by pain, discomfort, or a pulling sensation.  The patient may describe the bulge as increasing in size with activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure such as coughing, sneezing, lifting, or straining.  Physical examination reveals a palpable defect in the abdominal wall at the location of the prior incision.  The size and reducibility of the hernia are documented.  Assessment includes consideration of associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits, suggesting possible complications like incarceration or strangulation.  Differential diagnosis includes lipoma, hematoma, seroma, and other soft tissue masses.  Diagnosis of incisional hernia is confirmed by physical examination findings.  Imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scan may be considered if the diagnosis is uncertain or to evaluate for complications.  Treatment options are discussed with the patient, including watchful waiting, conservative management with abdominal binders, or surgical repair.  Surgical options, such as open hernia repair with or without mesh reinforcement, or laparoscopic hernia repair, are explained, outlining the benefits and risks of each procedure.  Patient education addresses postoperative care, activity restrictions, and potential complications.  Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the hernia and the patient's progress.  ICD-10 code K43.9 for ventral hernia without obstruction or gangrene is assigned, with additional specificity codes utilized as appropriate based on hernia location and characteristics.  CPT codes for surgical repair will be determined based on the specific procedure performed.
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