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
Abdominal Hernia
Covers various types of abdominal hernias, including incisional.
Inguinal Hernia
While not incisional, it's a common abdominal wall hernia for comparison.
Umbilical Hernia
Another abdominal wall hernia, different in location from incisional.
Ventral Hernia
Incisional hernias are a subtype of ventral hernias.
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?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Incisional hernia |
Ventral hernia |
Spigelian hernia |
Coding incisional hernia without specifying the site (e.g., umbilical, ventral) leads to coding errors and claim denials. Proper documentation is crucial.
Incorrectly coding a recurrent incisional hernia as primary affects reimbursement and data accuracy. CDI should query for recurrence documentation.
Failing to code associated complications (e.g., obstruction, gangrene) with incisional hernia undercodes severity and impacts quality metrics reporting.
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.